Analysis of Lower Breast Pole Length and Nipple-Areola Complex Position Following Superior Pedicle, Short Horizontal Scar Breast Reduction.

[BACKGROUND] Postoperative changes following superior pedicle breast reduction are closely related to the pattern of skin resection. We have observed that the superior pedicle, short horizontal scar breast reduction technique provides a stable breast shape in the long term. We test the validity of our clinical observations through objective analysis of postoperative dimensional changes following superior pedicle, short horizontal scar breast reduction.

[METHODS] Of 42 patients who underwent superior pedicle, short horizontal scar breast reductions between January 2011 and June 2012, 38 (75 breasts) were available for long-term follow-up. The midclavicular point-to-superior areolar border distance (A), the inferior areolar border-to-inframammary fold (IMF) distance (B), and the areolar diameter (C) were measured and recorded at the time of (1) preoperative markings, (2) first postoperative visit, and (3) 2-year postoperative follow-up visit. The specifications of the preoperative markings were recorded to analyze their correlation with actual breast dimensions.

[RESULTS] The superior border of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) was located, on average, 1.2 cm higher at the first postoperative visit when compared with the markings (P < 0.001). The nipple-areola position did not change significantly in the long term (P = 0.224). The average postoperative increase in the IMF-to-inferior areolar border distance between the first postoperative visit and the long-term follow-up visit was 0.3 cm (P < 0.001). Although statistically significant, this extent of change (4.5 %) in the lower pole vertical length was clinically unidentifiable, and pseudoptosis did not occur after superior pedicle, short horizontal scar mammaplasty.

[CONCLUSION] Long-term stability of the NAC position and lower breast pole length makes superior pedicle, short horizontal scar breast reduction a predictable and dependable option for primary breast reduction/mastopexy and for a matching procedure.

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