The dermal overlap subareolar mastopexy: A preliminary report.

BACKGROUND The major disadvantage of the circumareolar mastopexy is the risk of hypertrophic scarring and relapse or widening of the areola. OBJECTIVE The author describes a new technique that gives added support to the scar by means of a dermal overlap flap that is buried under the areola. METHODS A doughnut incision is made, with the size of the outer circle dependent on the amount of ptosis to be corrected. The areolar flap is elevated close to the nipple pedicle, a circumferential incision is made through the dermis between the pedicle and the outer incision, and the dermal edge is elevated. After the mastopexy, closure is performed with nonabsorbable purse-string sutures. RESULTS Initial results in a series of 34 cases have been encouraging, with no loss of nipple sensation and with less scarring and more natural nipple projection than occurs in conventional doughnut mastopexy procedures. CONCLUSIONS This technique can be used to reduce scarring in procedures such as mastopexy, breast reduction, and tubular breast correction. (Aesthetic Surg J 2001;21:423-427.).