Four-Layer Wound Closure Technique with Barbed Sutures for Inframammary Fold in Mastopexy Augmentation

BackgroundThe inframammary fold (IMF) is an important landmark in breast aesthetic surgery. In augmentation mastopexy procedures, secure and accurate placement of the IMF is essential to aesthetic outcomes and to allow the new IMF to heal in the correct position without displacement. The authors present a simple and efficient four-layer wound closure technique using barbed sutures for closure of the repositioned IMF in augmentation mastopexy procedures. This method was previously described by the first author for reset of the IMF in breast augmentation surgery and has been adapted to the longer IMF incision in augmentation mastopexy procedures.MethodsA retrospective review was undertaken of 335 patients who underwent bilateral breast augmentation mastopexy procedures with a Wise pattern technique at a single unit. The newly reset IMF was closed using barbed sutures and a four-layer closure technique.ResultsThere were no cases of complications related to wound healing or wound dehiscence. One patient required explantation for an infected implant.ConclusionThe four-layer wound closure technique with barbed sutures provides a quick and efficient method for accurate closure of the newly reset IMF, with positive outcomes related to wound healing.Secure and accurate placement of the inframammary fold is crucial in augmentation mastopexy procedures.The use of a four-layer wound closure technique with barbed sutures provides an efficient method for accurate closure of the newly reset inframammary fold.This method was previously described by the first author for reset of the IMF in breast augmentation surgery and has been adapted to the longer IMF incision in augmentation mastopexy procedures.Level of Evidence VThis 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.