Deskinning versus deepithelialization for inferior pedicle reduction mammoplasty: a prospective comparative analysis.

[BACKGROUND] Deepithelialization is time consuming, but has been performed traditionally in reduction mammaplasty to ensure a better blood supply to the transposed nipple-areolar complex.

[METHODS] For this study, 18 patients were recruited, and each patient served as an individual control by undergoing both deskinning and deepithelialization of the contralateral breast. The patient's age, body mass index, specimen weight, complications, and subjective cosmetic assessment were recorded.

[RESULTS] The mean age was 42 years, and the mean body mass index was 27.94 respectively. There were no differences recorded in terms of complications or patient perceived cosmetic outcomes. The only statistical difference involved the times required for deepithelialization (15.5 min) and deskinning (6 min). Deskinning thus saved approximately 9 min.

[CONCLUSIONS] Deskinning is as effective as deepithelialization and is significantly more expedient, with no added risk to the patient.