Rehnke RD, Groening RM, Van Buskirk ER, Clarke JM. Anatomy of the superficial fascia system of the breast: a comprehensive theory of breast fascial anatomy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2018;142:1135-1144. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000004948
What This Study Found
This is the paper that first described the breast's internal ligament and connective-tissue network, including the circummammary ligament, as one single continuous support system rather than a set of separate, isolated ligaments. Nearly every other paper in this research library references this work.
Key Findings
- Describes a unified "superficial fascia system" enclosing the breast, anchored to the chest wall at its periphery
- Identifies the circummammary ligament as a 3-dimensional ring of connective tissue that provides structural support
- Provides the anatomical foundation that later tissue-preservation techniques, including Preservé, are built to work around rather than cut through
Why This Matters for Preservé Patients
This is independent academic anatomy research, not industry-funded, which makes it valuable as a credible, non-promotional source explaining exactly what "tissue preservation" is preserving at a structural level.
