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.
Section of Plastic Surgery, Providence Hospital, Southfield, MI.
D B
DB
Hawtof
M
M
Levine
D I
DI
Kapetansky
D
D
Pieper
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