Watfa W, Martineau J, Giordano S, Sapino G, Bramhall RJ, di Summa PG. Long-term evaluation of Nipple-Areolar complex changes in inferior versus superomedial pedicle reduction mammoplasty: A comparative study.
J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2021;
75:1179-1186. [PMID:
34887222 DOI:
10.1016/j.bjps.2021.11.007]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
In breast reduction, traditionally the inferior pedicle (IFP) technique is considered the most performed by plastic surgeons. A growing interest for the superomedial pedicle (SMP) mammoplasty technique has been documented in literature and clinical practice. Sensory recovery of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC), final areolar shape and scarring may also have a significant impact on patient satisfaction.
OBJECTIVE
This study represents a retrospective multimodal analysis comparing NAC sensation and appearance outcomes in IFP and SMP wise pattern breast reductions with 2-year follow-up.
METHODS
From 2013 to 2017, all performed reduction mammoplasty were included and divided in two groups (IFP or SMP technique). Testing included pressure perception (Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments), NAC measurement (diameters ratio and circumference) and circumareolar scar hypertrophy assessment. Measurements were repeated at 2 weeks, 6 and 24 months postoperatively.
RESULTS
amongst the 73 patients, 42 (58%) had SMP technique and 31 (42%) had IFP technique. Values at 6-months showed better sensory return in the SMP (p < 0.01**). NAC enlargement, showed no difference between groups. However, there was a statistically significant increase in both the SMP (p < 0.001***) and the IFP (p < 0.01**) groups when comparing the 2-week and 24-month follow-up visits measured ratios confirming a more oval appearance over time with both techniques. Scar hypertrophy showed statistically significant reduction in both the SMP (p < 0.001***) and the IFP (p < 0.01**) groups over time.
CONCLUSION
This 2-year follow-up study showed little difference in outcomes between the two techniques, but some advantages in NAC sensory recovery with the SMP.
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