Reduction mammaplasty with a superior pedicle - a retrospective 10-year follow-up analysis of 33 patients

Abstract

Long-term results after reduction mammaplasty with a superior pedicle evaluating the postoperative sensibility, degree of breast ptosis and the patients' satisfaction are rarely found in the literature. This retrospective analysis answers the question whether the resection weight has an influence on the postoperative sensibility of the nipple-areola complex after reduction mammaplasty with a superior pedicle. 33 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. Depending on the resection weight, the patients were divided into 3 groups: Group A (<500 g), Group B (500-1,000 g), Group C (>1,000 g). The following parameters were evaluated: age, comorbidities, sensibility of the breast (Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test), jugular notch-to-nipple distance, histological results, degree of ptosis, BMI (body mass index), preoperative physical complaints (visual analogue scale 1-10), postoperative patients' satisfaction based on a questionnaire created by the authors. Furthermore, the complications, corrective revisions and pregnancies were evaluated. The median age of the patients at the moment of examination was 51 years (range: 29-71). None of the patients had any relevant comorbidities. 97% of the patients complained about preoperative physical problems (visual analogue scale 3-10). Postoperative complications arose in 21% of the patients. Corrective revisions were necessary in 18% of the cases. 97% of the patients were very satisfied or satisfied with the result. With regard to the sensibility we found a reduction of sensibility especially in the inferior and lateral part of the areola. In the group B we recorded a ptosis of degree I in 3 patients. A pseudoptosis was found in 6 patients in particular in group B. Reduction mammaplasty with a superior pedicle turns out to be a reliable method with a high satisfaction of the patients after a follow-up of 10 years. These findings were independent from the resection weight. A reduced sensibility occurred especially in the inferior and lateral part of the areola.