Breast Augmentation

Abstract

IN 1983 TECHNICAL FORUM CONDUCTED A SURVEY ABOUT CHOICES and techniques for breast augmentation. We received more than 300 replies—about 90% of those to whom the questionnaire was mailed—with some strong opinions. In 1983 we were trying axillary incisions and double-lumen implants, and a few surgeons were still working with saline implants. At least 50% of the first 300 respondents to the survey said that they had abandoned the axillary incision, primarily because of scarring and the inability to create a central and medial pocket, a message repeated at our national meetings. I looked at several presentations on axillary surgery and was not impressed. However, when I performed the next dozen or so periareolar incisions, I asked myself if I could have created that space, lowered the inframammary fold, or cauterized bleeders from the axilla.