Hybrid breast augmentation: our surgical approach and formula for preoperative assessment of fat graft volume

Safe and Effective Augmentation Mastopexy with Tumescent Local Anesthesia: A Decade of Experience

Background: Tumescent local anesthesia (TLA) is widely used in esthetic surgery due to its ability to reduce complications, eliminate the need for general anesthesia, provide effective pain control, and shorten hospitalization times. Methods: This study evaluates the use of TLA in 80 patients who underwent augmentation mastopexy between 2010 and 2022. A tumescent solution containing 500 mg lidocaine, 672 mg sodium bicarbonate, and 1 mg epinephrine in 1000 mL of saline was infiltrated, with an average of 300 mL per breast. The surgical technique involved creating a subpectoral pocket for textured round implants (250-400 cc), followed by careful hemostasis. Results: No patients required conversion to general anesthesia, and there were no signs of toxicity or major complications. Minor complications included wound dehiscence (6.2%), hematoma (2.5%), and capsular contracture (2.5%). Pain management satisfaction at 3 months post-surgery was rated as "outstanding" by 12.5% of patients, "excellent" by 67.5%, and "good" by 20%. The longest follow-up was 6 years, with no implant ruptures except one (1.2%). Conclusions: While the study did not include a control group or statistical analysis, the findings suggest that TLA is a safe and effective alternative to general anesthesia for augmentation mastopexy, providing excellent pain control and a low rate of complications.

Advancing Reduction Mammaplasty Surgery: Advancements and Outcomes with Tumescent Local Anaesthesia

BACKGROUND

Tumescent local anaesthesia (TLA) is a method of anaesthesia used for surgical procedures that involves the infusion of a saline solution containing lidocaine, sodium bicarbonate, and epinephrine. This anaesthetic technique is designed to achieve both vasoconstriction and anaesthesia. In this article, we present a modified TLA protocol specifically adapted for reduction mammaplasty, based on an analysis of clinical case histories collected over the past few years.

METHODS

During the period from 2012 to 2022, we performed a reduction mammaplasty procedure in 120 patients employing tumescent local anaesthesia (TLA). The composition of the tumescent solution included 25 mL of 2% lidocaine, 8 mEq of sodium bicarbonate, and 1 mL of epinephrine (1 mg/1 mL) in 1000 mL of 0.9% saline solution. The solution was injected diffusely throughout the mammary gland.

RESULTS

The average volume of tumescent solution infiltrated during TLA was 350 mL per breast. There were no cases of adrenaline or lidocaine toxicity, and no patients required conversion to general anaesthesia. No patient received sedation. Patients reported no pain or discomfort during pre-operative infiltration or during surgery. No reinterventions were necessary because of short-term complications. Among the complications, there were 4 cases of hematoma (3,3%), 3 cases of seroma (2,55%), 10 cases of wound dehiscence (8,3%), 5 cases of asymmetry (4,1%), 9 cases of T-junction breakdown (7,5%), 2 cases of (partial) nipple necrosis (1,6%), and 3 cases of liponecrosis (2,5%). No cases of infection or total nipple-areola loss were reported. The follow-up period was between 30 days and 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduction mammaplasty is a viable surgical option for women with macromastia seeking to enhance their physiognomy. It is imperative that patients fully understand the potential benefits and risks associated with the procedure and consult with healthcare professionals specialising in this field. The use of tumescent local anaesthesia (TLA) has been confirmed as a safe and effective methodology to perform reduction mammaplasty, ensuring adequate pain control with minimal post-operative complications and resulting in a high degree of patient satisfaction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Optimizing Gynecomastia Correction Surgery: Efficacy and Safety of Tumescent Local Anesthesia Approach

BACKGROUND

Tumescent local anesthesia (TLA) involves infusing a saline solution containing lidocaine and epinephrine into tissues to achieve localized anesthesia and vasoconstriction. While liposuction under general anesthesia remains the most used treatment, we introduce a novel TLA approach for gynecomastia surgery, drawing from our extensive experience in recent years.

METHODS

Between the years 2010 and 2023, we performed gynecomastia surgery on 60 male patients under TLA. The gynecomastia was treated by liposuction plus periareolar excision technique. Liposuction was carried out on both breasts in every case, regardless of whether the gynecomastia was bilateral or unilateral. The tumescent solution consisted of 25 mL of 2% lidocaine, 8 mEq of sodium bicarbonate, and 1 mL of epinephrine (1 mg/1 mL) in 1000 mL of 0.9% saline solution. The solution was infiltrated between the pectoral fascia and the mammary gland, and then the surgery was carried out.

RESULTS

The average volume of tumescent solution infiltrated during TLA was 300 mL per breast. There were no reports of adrenaline or lidocaine toxicity, and no cases required a conversion to general anesthesia. Patients experienced no pain or discomfort during the preoperative infiltration or surgical procedure. We observed a major postoperative complications rate of 6.7%, represented by three incident of hematoma and one case of seroma. A minor complication rate of 5% was observed: two cases of retraction of the NAC and one case of gynecomastia recurrence, the latter undergoing an additional combination procedure with liposuction and subcutaneous mastectomy. Follow-up time ranged from 30 days to 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a new outpatient surgical method for gynecomastia using liposuction and periareolar excision under tumescent local anesthesia. This technique, supported by a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, proved a successful and quick recovery, and high patient satisfaction. Our results suggest it is a feasible and effective option, warranting further consideration in gynecomastia treatment strategies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Quality of life and satisfaction after breast augmentation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of Breast-Q patient-reported outcomes

BACKGROUND

Breast augmentation ranks among the most popular plastic surgery procedures. Yet, reports on post-operative patient-reported quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction remain conflicting.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Three databases were searched for eligible studies that reported pre-and/or post-operative Breast-Q™ augmentation scores for patient QoL (psychosocial, sexual, and physical well-being) and/or satisfaction.

RESULTS

A total of 39 studies (53 patient cohorts and 18,322 patients) were included in the quantitative synthesis. The pairwise meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in patient-reported psychosocial (MD: +38.10) and sexual well-being (MD: +40.20) as well as satisfaction with breast (MD: +47.88) (all p < 0.00001). Physical well-being improved slightly after breast augmentation (MD: +6.97; p = 0.42). The single-arm meta-analysis yielded comparable results, with Breast-Q™ scores in psychosocial and sexual well-being as well as satisfaction with breast increasing from 37.2, 31.1, and 26.3 to 75.0, 70.6, and 72.7, respectively (all p < 0.00001). Physical well-being improved by 8.1 (75.8 pre-operatively to 83.9 post-operatively; p = 0.17). Subgroup analyses highlighted higher QoL and satisfaction following breast augmentation for purely esthetic purposes and alloplastic mammaplasty. Although patient-reported physical and sexual well-being increased in the long term, psychosocial well-being was the highest in the short term.

CONCLUSION

Patient satisfaction with breast, psychosocial, and sexual well-being increased significantly after breast augmentation. In contrast, patient-reported physical well-being yielded ambivalent results, varying by mammaplasty technique and post-operative follow-up time. Plastic surgeons should be sensitized about our findings to refine eligibility criteria and gain a deeper understanding of the patients' perceived surgical experience.

PROSPERO TRIAL REGISTRATION NO

CRD42023409605.

Augmentation-Mastopexy With 4-Layer Autologous Fat Grafting and Evaluation of Viability With MRI

Background

Autologous fat (AF) grafting is widely used in plastic surgery and is generally considered a safe and effective procedure. A combined approach utilizing vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance (VASER) to prepare AF grafts with a 4-layer fat grafting technique was explored in this study.

Objectives

To offer a customized solution that accommodates individual anatomical differences.

Methods

This retrospective, cross-sectional case series involved 40 breasts from 20 female patients who underwent primary augmentation-mastopexy. After removing excess breast tissue and exposing the pedicle, lateral pillars, and pectoral muscle, the 4-layer fat grafting was performed as follows: 150 mL of AF under the pectoral muscle directed toward the medial and central zones; 100 mL into the pectoral muscle toward these zones; 50 mL under the pectoral fascia, moving retrograde from cephalic to caudal portions at a 30° to 45° cannula angle. After closing the epithelial and subepithelial incisions, an additional 100 to 150 mL of AF was injected under the subcutaneous layer around the breast, depending on each patient's contour and breast shape. Patients were monitored for 2 years with MRI scans to assess breast volume, anatomy, and fat graft survival.

Results

The average follow-up was 26 ± 2.81 months. MRI evaluations indicated an efficient survival rate of the fat grafts. None of the patients experienced minor or major complications.

Conclusions

The 4-layer AF grafting technique appears to be a safe and effective procedure for customized breast sculpting in augmentation-mastopexy surgery, with a high rate of fat graft sustainability and survival.

Level of Evidence 4

Outcomes of Abdominoplasty in Tumescent Local Anesthesia Combined with Subdural Anesthesia

BACKGROUND

Abdominoplasty is a common surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia, and although the use of TLA combined with subdural anesthesia has never been reported in abdominoplasty, it offers several benefits such as safe and effective local anesthesia and vasoconstriction. We outline our experience with the TLA technique for primary abdominoplasty over the last 7 years.

METHODS

From 2014 to 2021, TLA and subdural anesthesia have been used in primary abdominoplasty surgeries for 106 patients. The TLA solution consisted of 25 mL of 2% lidocaine, 8 mEq of sodium bicarbonate, and 1 mL of epinephrine (1 mg/1 mL) diluted in 1000 mL of 0.9% saline solution. The solution was then injected with a 2-mm cannula into the subcutaneous adipose tissue in the suprafascial plane. The subdural anesthesia was performed at intervertebral level L1-L2 using Ropivacaine 15/18 mg in 4 ml.

RESULTS

Patients aged from 32 to 75 years. The amount of tumescent solution infiltrated ranged between 500 and 1000 mL. Mean surgery time was 70 minutes, and recovery room time averaged at 240 minutes. Major complications related to the surgery were observed in 12.26% of patients, including eight hematomas and five seromas. Two patients experienced wound dehiscence, and no dystrophic scar formation was observed. Eventually, there was no need for a conversion to general anesthesia.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumescent local anesthesia combined with subdural anesthesia is a highly effective and safe method for performing abdominoplasty. This technique has proven to be an excellent choice for primary abdominoplasty, providing significant benefits to patients and surgeons alike due to its safe administration, precise pain management during and after surgery, and minimal postoperative side effects.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Use of Radiofrequency-Assisted Liposuction (BodyTite) for Upper Arms Lifting

BACKGROUND

Body contouring surgery is increasingly requested by patients, both for aesthetic and post-bariatric purposes. There has also been a rapid increase in demand for noninvasive aesthetic treatments. While brachioplasty is burdened by numerous complications and unsatisfactory scars, and conventional liposuction is unsuitable for all patients, nonsurgical arm remodeling performed with radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) allows to effectively treat most of patients, regardless of the amount of fat and ptosis of the skin and avoiding surgical excision.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted on 120 consecutive patients who presented to the author's private clinic and required upper arm remodeling surgery for aesthetic purposes or after weight loss. Patients were classified according to the modified classification of El Khatib and Teimourian. Pre- and posttreatment upper arm circumferences were taken after 6 months of follow-up to assess the degree of skin retraction obtained by treating the arm with RFAL. A satisfaction questionnaire regarding the appearance of the arms (Body-Q upper arm satisfaction) was administered to all patients before surgery and after 6 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

All patients were effectively treated with RFAL, and no cases required conversion to brachioplasty. The average reduction in arm circumference was 3.75 cm at 6 months follow-up, and patients' satisfaction increased from 35 to 87% posttreatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Radio frequency is a valid tool to treat most patients with upper limbs skin laxity, with significant aesthetic results and a high degree of patient satisfaction, regardless of the degree of skin ptosis and lipodystrophy of the arm.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Outcomes of Intramuscular Gluteal Augmentation With Implants Using Tumescent Local Anesthesia

BACKGROUND

Tumescent local anesthesia (TLA) describes the practice of injecting a very dilute solution of local anesthetic combined with epinephrine and sodium bicarbonate into the tissue until it becomes firm and tense to obtain local anesthesia and vasoconstriction. The use of TLA in augmentation intramuscular gluteoplasty has never been described for implants positioning. Advantages of the TLA technique include a reduction in blood loss through epinephrine-induced vasoconstriction and hydrostatic compression from the tumescent effect. We describe TLA technique for primary intramuscular gluteal augmentation, reporting our experience during the last 5 years.

METHODS

From 2017 to 2021, 20 patients underwent bilateral primary gluteal augmentation under TLA and conscious sedation. The tumescent solution was prepared with 25 mL of 2% lidocaine, 8 mEq of sodium bicarbonate, and 1 mL of epinephrine (1 mg/1 mL) in 1000 mL of 0.9% saline solution. The solution was infiltrated with a cannula inside the gluteus maximus muscle intra-operatively.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 39, 15 years. The average amount of tumescent solution infiltrated was 240 mL per gluteus. Operating time was 1 h and 40 min, and recovery room time averaged 240 min. Major surgery-related complications were found in 15% of patients (2 hematomas and 1 seroma) and minor complications were described in a total of 8 patients (4 wound dehiscence and 1 dystrophic scar formation). No signs of adrenaline nor lidocaine toxicity were reported and conversion to general anesthesia was never required.

CONCLUSIONS

The tumescent local anesthesia technique represents a safe and efficacious technique for performing gluteal augmentation surgery with an intramuscular implant positioning. The advantages of this technique are safety, reasonable pain control during and after surgery and a low incidence of postoperative side effects due to general anesthesia avoidance.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .