“Slip sliding” technique. A new method to perform mastopexy-augmentation

Background: When performing breast augmentation in patients affected by mild-moderate ptosis or pseudoptosis, the plastic surgeon often has to choose whether to perform a glandular mastopexy or not. This decision is controversial not only due to the residual scarring, but also breast reshaping with potential asymmetries, often poorly tolerated or directly rejected by the patient herself. Methods: We performed the “slip sliding technique” on nine Caucasian female patients from July 2011 to April 2014. By this technique, a glandular reshaping is performed with a single superior half-moon-shaped periareolar access and an undermining above and underneath the muscle. The breast implant is positioned in the submuscular plane and the breast parenchyma is lifted cranially, resulting in a mastopexy-augmented breast without its traditional scars. Results: Ptosis and pseudoptosis correction were satisfactory in all cases to both patients and surgeons. No ptosis recurrence or asymmetries were observed. Conclusions: Despite the recent introduction and a limited number of treated patients, the slip sliding technique has proven to reach good results in patients where breast augmentation alone is doubtful. In our opinion, the slip sliding is a valid technique when mastopexy has to be associated to breast augmentation surgery in selected patients. Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.