Modified pitanguy technique for intraoperative symmetrical localization of nipple-areola complex.
A symmetrical result at the end of a breast reduction is important for patient satisfaction. It can be made challenging by existing asymmetries in the patient's body. Preoperative markings serve only as a guideline to the final shape, which is best decided on the table. We describe a simple and objective peroperative technique to visualize the symmetry of any landmark both horizontally and vertically. This helps locate the final position of, for example, the nipple, and assess symmetry toward the end of the operation and it does not leave any needle marks on the patient.
Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham B29 6JD, UK. mubashircheema@yahoo.co.uk
Mubashir H
MH
Cheema
Shivram
S
Singh
D001940:Breast / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative / Q000379:methods*; D009558:Nipples / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology