Pitfalls in Augmentation Mastopexy

Augmentation mastopexy is a challenging combination of procedures that requires careful preoperative planning and intraoperative decision-making. When executed appropriately results can be excellent, but when performed without proper planning and execution, complications can happen. Multiple pitfalls exist which lead to complications requiring re-operative augmentation mastopexy. The key to success is proper preoperative assessment and planning to recognize what maneuvers need to occur for a predictable outcome. In addition, surgeons must develop true understanding of the dynamics of aging breast tissue and how implants can affect these dynamics. The pitfalls of augmentation mastopexy can be related to improper technique in dealing with the breast tissue or the implant itself, and sometimes both. In this chapter, we will examine some of the common pitfalls and complications associated with this procedure and ways to avoid them.