They include a multitude of malformations, from simple hypoplasias to severe abnormalities, which are abnormalities of conformation. These abnormalities create asymmetry of the breasts. The aim of plastic surgery is therefore to restore the breasts and achieve symmetry.
They include a multitude of malformations, from simple malformations to severe abnormalities, which are complaints of conformation.
These abnormalities create asymmetry of the breasts. The aim of plastic surgery is therefore to restore the breasts and achieve symmetry.
They are divided into
A) atrophic type anomalies:
– amastia
– aplasia
– hypoplasia (unilateral or bilateral)
(B) anomalies of the hypertrophic type
– polymastia
– asymmetrical hypertrophy
We will refer to the most typical breast anomalies.
Characterized by unilateral, complete absence of only the mass gland. There are morphological alterations of the hemithorax due to the lack of pectoral muscles. This malformation is called POLAND syndrome. The reconstruction is achieved surgically, using a muscle (dorsalis extensor muscle) to cover the deficit and an appropriately sized silicone implant.
It can be unilateral or bilateral. It is characterised by the presence of all the anatomical elements of the breast, but which are underdeveloped.
In unilateral hypoplasia, there is a normally developed breast and a hypoplastic breast. The ‘normal’ breast will be used as a ‘guide’ for the formation of the hypoplastic breast. It is, of course, possible that the normal breast may show some degree of droop or hypertrophy. In these cases, the shaping of the breast must be preceded by the correction of the submammary gland in order to achieve symmetry.
A typical example of hypoplasia is “tubular breasts”.
They were first described in 1976 (Rees-Aston). Depending on the degree of hypoplasia, 3 forms can be distinguished.
The existence of a ricnotic fibrous ring at the base of the breast prevents both horizontal and vertical development of the breast and leads to a tubular shape.
The Nipple-areola complex may be larger in relation to the size of the breast, with the hypomastoid line at a higher level.
Many surgical methods, have been described to correct this deformity. The most promising of these involves a peripapillary approach to the breast, division of the ricinous fibrous ring, redistribution of the parenchyma and, as a rule, placement of a silicone prosthesis.
The results of the method are very satisfactory.
Bilateral hypoplasia with asymmetry may affect both the diameter and the projection of the breasts. The placement of different sized silicone prostheses solves the problem.
Polymastia is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by the presence of a supernumerary breast, most often located in the axilla. This breast is surgically removed.
Hypertrophy of the breasts, as well as the combination of hypertrophy and hypoplasia, are treated surgically with the common aim of obtaining symmetry.
More information on this subject is given in the section on breast reduction.
