Autologous Lipo-Dermal Advancement Flap for Inframammary Fold Reconstruction: A Technical Note for Prevention and Management of Caudal Breast Implant Migration

Abstract

Inferior breast implant displacement, also known as caudal migration, or bottoming-out, is a known complication of breast augmentation. This leads to a loss of upper pole fullness, a more superiorly located nipple-areolar complex, and an unnatural appearance. Avoiding these complaints has been a longstanding challenge in the field of aesthetics and this technical note suggests a novel solution. This technical note describes the process of preoperative assessment, careful markings, and the use of an autologous lipo-dermal advancement flap that has been designed, mobilized, and rotated to be internally fixated to costal margins and the relevant deep fascial structures at the proposed inframammary fold level. This technique creates a robust partitioning hammock-like structure that stabilizes the breast implant and prevents future caudal displacement. The described technique may be implemented as an independent solution, or as an adjunct to other modalities like biological meshes in revision breast surgery.