Mastopexy with Autologous Augmentation in Women After Massive Weight Loss: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background Breast reshaping or mastopexy following massive weight loss can be challenging. The LOPOSAM (lower pole subglandular advancement mastoplasty) technique has shown promising results for correction of ptotic, wide, lateralized and deflated breasts following massive weight loss. Materials and Methods We compared the LOPOSAM technique to the mastopexy technique after massive weight loss described by Rubin JP, in a randomized trial. The main outcome measure was the total operative time. Secondary outcomes measures were socio-economic factors; length of hospital stay, numbers of sutures used, secondary corrective procedures, post-operative sick leave and surgeon- and patient-reported appearance of the breasts. Results We included 22 women: 11 operated on by the LOPOSAM technique and 11 by the technique described by Rubin JP. The total operative time was 84.8 (SD 12.2) minutes in the LOPOSAM group and 99.1 (SD 23.5) in the Rubin JP group ( p = 0.074). There were no differences related to days with drains, length of hospital stay or sick leave between the two groups. The surgeon- and the patient-reported appearance of the breasts changed significantly between the pre-operative and the 12-month post-operative assessments. Conclusion The LOPOSAM technique is a safe and quick surgical procedure for correction of ptotic, wide, lateralized and deflated breasts following massive weight loss and seems to provide results comparable to the better-known Rubin JP’s technique. There was a trend that the LOPOSAM technique was faster to perform, however, not significant. The breast appearance improved significantly using both techniques when assessed by both surgeons and patients. Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .