Importance of the new position of the nipple-areola complex in breast augmentation surgery

Background: When the results of breast augmentation surgery are evaluated, the respective points of view of the surgeon and the patient can differ. Because of the nature of plastic surgery, evaluation of the results puts more emphasis on the patient's satisfaction than on medical knowledge. Among the patients who are satisfied with the size of their breasts after breast augmentation surgery, the factor that affects their satisfaction with their breast shape is the position of the nipple-areola complex. This is because the relative position of the nipple-areola complex on the inserted implant makes the most apparent change. Therefore, the relative position of the nipple-areola complex on the implant can be seen as one of the most important standards in evaluating the results. Methods: Using a standardized protocol and standards based on analysis of the measurements of 100 patients (200 nipples), the author divided breast augmentation patients according to position of the nipple-areola complex. The operations were planned with this factor as the central consideration. The author also provided preoperative education to each group. Results: Between January 1, 2001, and July 31, 2004, 368 patients were divided into four types based on the position of the nipple-areola complex when the patient was in the upright position. Conclusions: By performing the operations based on the nipple-areola complex, according to individual characteristics, predictable and desirable postoperative results were obtained.