Enhancing Breast Volume and Contour: Integration of the Anterior Intercostal Perforator-Based Flap with Central Pedicle Mastopexy
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s00266-026-06342-9
- Dergi Adı: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Pharma Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Adipofascial flap, Anterior intercostal artery perforator, Autologous breast augmentation, Mastopexy
- Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: Optimizing aesthetic outcomes in mastopexy frequently requires simultaneous volume enhancement. While silicone implants are the standard solution, they carry risks of long-term complications that some patients wish to avoid. Autologous tissue rearrangement offers a valuable alternative for these individuals. In this study, we evaluate the safety and effectiveness of integrating an anterior intercostal artery perforator-based adipofascial flap with central pedicle mastopexy for autologous volume augmentation and symmetry correction. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients treated for breast asymmetry or volume deficits between 2018 and 2024. The technique involved elevating an anterior intercostal artery perforator-based adipofascial flap to augment the central mound. Outcomes were assessed via clinical data and six-month postoperative BREAST-Q scores. Results: The anterior intercostal artery perforator-based adipofascial flap combined with central pedicle mastopexy procedure was performed on the study group (Group 1) of 18 patients (33 breasts), and outcomes were compared against the control group (Group 2) of 33 patients who underwent standard central pedicle mastopexy. Over a mean follow-up of 11 months, the technique effectively corrected volume deficits and breast asymmetry. Complications were minor, limited to three cases of wound dehiscence requiring revision. At six months, the mean nipple-inframammary fold distance was 7.2 cm, showing no signs of bottom-out. Conclusions: Integrating anterior intercostal artery perforator-based adipofascial flap with central pedicle mastopexy offers a safe and reliable autologous solution for mild-to-moderate volume deficiency. This approach provides stable volume augmentation and satisfactory aesthetic outcomes, eliminating the risks associated with prosthetic implants. 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.