title: An innovative method for intraoperative shaping and positioning of the nipple-areola complex in reduction mammaplasty and mastopexy.
abstract: Issues of hypertrophic circumareolar scars and malpositioning or irregularity of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) are frequently associated with breast reduction or mastopexy techniques that rely on an ample excision of skin around the areola, either alone or associated with a vertical incision. To avoid such problems, many efforts have been made to improve the accuracy of preoperative marking for the future NAC. However, the correct design and position of the NAC may be difficult to achieve for the patient at the end of the procedure after closure of the skin incisions. This article describes a novel, simple, and effective method for intraoperative shaping and positioning of the NAC. The described method is based on using a specially designed surgical instrument to determine the best position, diameter, shape, and configuration of a new NAC. This study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of this method to reduce the common complications of the periareolar region in reduction mammaplasty and mastopexy.
  
  
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authors.affiliation: Breast Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Badachu Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100144, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Su
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fu
authors.forename: Jie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Luan
authors.forename: Minqiang
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Xin
authors.forename: Chunjun
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Dali
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mu
authors.forename: Lanhua
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mu
mesh_terms: D001940:Breast / Q000601:surgery; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D009558:Nipples / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011187:Posture; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome