A method is provided for performing a procedure to reposition a portion of
a breast using a suture including a plurality of barbs. The barbs on a
first portion of the suture adjacent a first end of the suture permit
movement of the suture through tissue in a direction of movement of the
first end and prevent movement of the suture through tissue in a
direction opposite the direction of movement of the first end. The barbs
on a second portion of the suture adjacent a second end of the suture
permit movement of the suture through tissue in a direction of movement
of the second end and prevent movement of the suture through tissue in a
direction opposite the direction of movement of the second end. The
method comprises the steps of inserting the first end of the suture
through a first insertion point and causing the first portion of the
suture to engage a tissue, inserting the second end of the suture through
the first insertion point and advancing the second end of the suture
through breast tissue to a first exit point located on the breast
caudally of the first insertion point, and manually grouping and
advancing the breast tissue relative to the suture towards the first
insertion point to reposition a portion of the breast tissue.