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Deep parenchymal resection before implantation can help achieve symmetry in small-volume breasts

Researchers found the use of a deep parenchymal resection technique enabled them to address small-volume asymmetry prior to the insertion of identical implants with no increase of early complications, according to results from a recently published study.

The study included five patients with appreciable small-volume asymmetry who underwent unilateral deep parenchymal resection (DPR) of the larger breast to address asymmetry, followed by bilateral symmetrical implant augmentation. These patients were compared with a group of 56 patients without any clinically obvious asymmetry who underwent standard submuscular breast augmentation, with all procedures performed by the same surgeon.

The researchers used 3-D volumetric analysis to determine a preoperative breast-volume discrepancy of 86 g in the DPR group. An average of 55 g was excised from the larger breasts in this group.

Aside from three patients who received polyurethane implants, patients received smooth, round silicone implants. Implant sizes ranged from 205 cc to 470 cc in the standard group and 270 cc to 400 cc in the DPR group.

Three complications were noted in the standard group and one in the DPR group. The DPR technique did not change the overall complication rate in the surgeon’s experience during the follow-up period, according to the researchers.

The researchers concluded that attempts to improve symmetry prior to implant insertion may lead to more consistent long-term results. – by Abigail Sutton

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.