Abstract
A key step in the inverted T-scar pattern breast reduction technique is the preoperative marking of the medial skin incision which will ultimately become the medial aspect of the horizontal scar in the new inframammary fold. We describe the ‘cleavage imprinting’ technique that allows the surgeon to generate mirror-image medial imprint marks on the contralateral breast during preoperative marking. Using photographs from two clinical cases we demonstrate that this simple, inexpensive, easily learnt and reproducible method is a handy way of improving the symmetry of the medial incision borders in mammaplasty. Although it is not a novel technique, its widespread employment being a testament to its usefulness, to our knowledge it has not previously been described in the literature.
Highlights
Reduction mammaplasty is one of the top five most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedures for women and together with mastopexy accounts for 240000 cases per year (ASAPS, 2011)
A key step in the inverted T-scar pattern breast reduction technique is the preoperative marking of the medial skin incision which will become the medial aspect of the horizontal scar in the new inframammary fold
The authors found that the colour match in the inframammary scars was the poorest. This suggests that visibility and symmetry of the inframammary scar are the most important features in post reduction mammaplasty scarring that determine patient dissatisfaction
Summary
Reduction mammaplasty is one of the top five most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedures for women and together with mastopexy accounts for 240000 cases per year (ASAPS, 2011). A key step in the inverted T-scar pattern breast reduction technique is the preoperative marking of the medial skin incision which will become the medial aspect of the horizontal scar in the new inframammary fold. We describe the ‘cleavage imprinting’ technique that allows the surgeon to generate mirror-image medial imprint marks on the contralateral breast during preoperative marking.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have