Complications of reduction mammaplasty: comparison of nipple-areolar graft and pedicle.
A retrospective study of breast reductions in 268 patients by two plastic surgeons was performed. Particular attention was paid to those patients treated by inferior pedicle techniques; these patients were compared with those treated by free nipple grafts. According to our findings, patients with skin loss were heavier and had longer suprasternal notch-to-nipple distances. Patients who had free nipple grafts were older and heavier and had larger specimen weights and longer suprasternal notch-to-nipple distances. Fifty-four of the original 268 patients were included in a substudy of larger breasts, defined as those with a specimen weight of over 700 g. Nineteen patients underwent free nipple grafts, and 35 underwent inferior pedicle techniques. None of the 19 patients having free nipple grafts developed complications, whereas 6 of the 35 undergoing inferior pedicle techniques sustained significant complications. We conclude that free nipple grafts should be considered over inferior pedicles in heavier patients with breast ptosis.
Hawtof
D B
DB
Section of Plastic Surgery, Providence Hospital, Southfield, MI.
Levine
M
M
Kapetansky
D I
DI
Pieper
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001835:Body Weight; D001940:Breast / Q000601:surgery* / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009558:Nipples / Q000601:surgery / Q000637:transplantation*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013518:Surgery, Plastic; D013524:Surgical Flaps