title: Periareolar approach for the correction of congenital symmastia.
abstract: This report elucidates the continued and relatively rare problem of congenital symmastia and its surgical repair without concomitant bilateral breast reduction. This case highlights the use of suction-assisted lipectomy techniques to address the excess fat in the presternal web and a periareolar approach for access to the intermammary space. The periareolar incision allows for the use of a concealed approach and the avoidance of a central scar that could result in hypertrophy or keloid formation, especially in this patient who is more prone to hypertrophic scarring. Furthermore, plication of the central web dermis to the sternal periosteum in a more superior position serves to not only correct the symmastia but also redrape the excess skin and restore the blunted inframammary folds.
authors.affiliation: Plastic Surgery Section, Darnall U.S. Army Hospital, Fort Hood, Texas 76544-5063, USA. salgado_plastics@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Salgado
authors.forename: Samir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mardini
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001940:Breast / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009558:Nipples; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*