BACKGROUND: There are numerous access routes for inserting implants during breast augmentation surgery. In 1966, Pitanguy described the transareolopapilar route. The aim of this study was to assess the use of transareolopapilar incision during breast augmentation surgery at the Ivo Pitanguy Institute (Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil), over the past 10 years. METHODS: Retrospective analyses of the size of the implants used, indications for transareolopapilar incision, postoperative complications, and postoperative scarring were performed. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients with a mean age of 33.54 years were included, and the mean follow-up period was 11.6 months. Most (60.4%) of the implants were <200 ml. Twelve patients required a second operation due to a breast lump (1 case); infection (1 case); capsular contracture (1 case); and dissatisfaction with breast shape (4 cases), volume (4 cases), and unilateral scarring (1 case). Sixteen (30.2%) patients developed some form of minor postoperative complication; 13 (24.5%) had one or more scarring issues, including hypochromia (18.9%), hypertrophy (1.9%), scar retraction (1.9%), and areola bifida (1.9%). Twenty (37.7%) patients underwent postoperative follow-up for more than one year and were satisfied with the postoperative scar. CONCLUSIONS: The transareolopapilar incision facilitates the insertion of small-to-moderate size implants with a low rate of postoperative complications and a low incidence of scarring, provided the correct surgical technique is used.
Mammaplasty; Breast implants; Breast implantation; Silicone gels; Hypopigmentation
