Nonaugmentive mastopexy
Disclosed are methods and devices for minimally invasive mastopexy, or other soft tissue suspension, which may be accomplished with our without augmentation.
1. A method of supporting tissue of a breast, comprising the steps of:
introducing a flexible support to a position between the chest wall and the breast mass;
introducing at least a first and a second soft tissue anchors into breast tissue beneath the support;
suspending the first soft tissue anchor from a first location on the support with a first generally linear suspension element to support the breast mass, and
suspending the second soft tissue anchor from a second location on the support with a second generally linear suspension element to support the breast mass,
wherein after the suspending steps the first soft tissue anchor is suspended solely by the first suspension element beneath the support and the first suspension element and the second soft tissue anchor is suspended solely by the second suspension element beneath the support and the second suspension element.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the support comprises a curved segment from a first end of the support to a second end of the support.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the support comprises a generally linear configuration.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the suspension elements comprises a suspension cord.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the suspension cord comprises at least one strain relief.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the strain relief comprises a spring.
7. The method of claim 4 , wherein the suspension cord comprises Nitinol wire.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the soft tissue anchors is anchored to one of the group consisting of: areolar tissue, the pectoralis muscle, and the fascial planes overlying rib and chest wall structures.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the soft tissue anchors is a mesh basket.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the soft tissue anchors is a polymer tube.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the support is attached to one of the group consisting of: the first rib, the clavicle, and the manubrium of the sternum.
12. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of adjusting the tension of the suspension elements after the soft tissue anchors are suspended from the support.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein adjusting the tension of the suspension elements is accomplished non-invasively.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the support comprises a full ring.
15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the support has an elongate shape.
16. The method of claim 1 , wherein the suspending the first and second soft tissue anchor steps support the breast mass without cupping the breast mass.
17. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first soft tissue anchor comprises a disc.
18. The method of claim 1 , wherein after the suspending steps the first soft tissue anchor and the second soft tissue anchor each act independently as point anchoring sources to support the breast tissue.