Combined augmentation mastopexy: a retrospective single-surgeon analysis of 85 cases over 6 years.

Background: Single-stage augmentation mastopexy is popular approach in managing patients with ptosis and volume loss. Despite its growing popularity, there is still on-going debate about performing this procedure as a one-stage operation as opposed to two-stage procedure due to possible increase of significant complications when the single stage approach is used. Our study aims to analyse the safety of the approach by assessing the complication rate and subsequently investigate how these unfavourable outcomes were managed. Methods: Retrospective analysis included 85 patients who underwent single stage augmentation mastopexy by a single consultant surgeon. Complications were divided into major (admission < 30 days, non-cosmetic surgery under general anaesthesia (GA) > 30 days) and minor (not requiring admission < 30 days) and those with an unfavourable cosmetic outcome. Results: Sixty two percent (N = 53) underwent the single stage mastopexy and augmentation without experiencing any complications. 8% (N = 7) of the patients experienced major complication, requiring operation under GA; 18% (N = 15) experienced minor complications, all managed non-operatively. 14% (N = 12) patients were classified as having an unfavourable cosmetic result. 15% (N = 13) patients required a second operation under GA, and 6% (N = 7) required revision under local anaesthesia. Mean follow-up was 34 months. Higher complication rate was noted to be in higher ASA group (P = 0.04) and demonstrated tendency in higher rate with the use of greater volume implants (P = 0.06). Conclusions: Single-stage augmentation mastopexy remains a safe approach in selected patients, with the additional benefits of convenience and cost. Complication rates are comparable to the overall complication rates in 2-stage approach technique. Level of evidence: Level IV, Risk / Prognostic study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]