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
Disclosure
Dr. Epstein is a paid investigator in the Motiva U.S. FDA clinical trial and is compensated by Establishment Labs to train surgeons on the Preservé breast augmentation technique. He discloses this relationship in all public communications involving Motiva or Preservé. Dr. Epstein owns stock in Establishment Labs.
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.
