Prospective Evaluation of the Nipple–Areola Complex Sparing Mastectomy for Risk Reduction and for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Background

Psychological effects of mastectomy for women with breast cancer have driven treatments that optimize cosmesis while strictly adhering to oncologic principles. Although skin-sparing mastectomy is oncologically safe, questions remain regarding the use of nipple–areola complex (NAC)-sparing mastectomy (NSM). We prospectively evaluated NSM for patients undergoing mastectomy for early-stage breast cancer or risk reduction.

Methods

We enrolled 33 early-stage breast cancer and high-risk patient; 54 NSMs were performed. NAC viability and surgical complications were evaluated. Intraoperative and postoperative pathologic assessments of the NAC base tissue were performed. NAC sensory, cosmetic and quality of life (QOL) outcomes were also assessed.

Results

Twenty-one bilateral and 12 unilateral NSMs were performed in 33 patients, 37 (68.5%) for prophylaxis and 17 (31.5%) for malignancy. Mean age was 45.4 years. Complications occurred in 16 NACs (29.6%) and 6 skin flaps (11.1%). Operative intervention for necrosis resulted in 4 NAC removals (7.4%). Two (11.8%) of the 17 breasts with cancer had ductal carcinoma-in-situ at the NAC margin, necessitating removal at mastectomy. All evaluable patients had nipple erection at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Cosmetic outcome, evaluated by two plastic surgeons, was acceptable in 73.0% of breasts and 55.8% of NACs, but lateral displacement occurred in most cases. QOL assessment indicated patient satisfaction.

Conclusions

NSM is technically feasible in select patients, with a low risk for NAC removal resulting from necrosis or intraoperative detection of cancer, and preserves sensation and QOL. Thorough pathologic assessment of the NAC base is critical to ensure disease eradication.     

Preoperative Predictors of Nipple–Areola Complex Involvement for Patients Undergoing Mastectomy for Breast Cancer

Background  

Proper patient selection is important for nipple-sparing mastectomy, and we aimed to identify preoperative factors predictive of pathologic nipple-areola complex (NAC) involvement to assist with surgical planning.     

Intraoperative Modification of Pitanguy Technique of Reduction Mammaplasty for Elevation of the Nipple�CAreola Complex in Case of Severe Breast Ptosis

Background  

The Pitanguy method of reduction mammaplasty has been shown to be an anatomically safe technique in the management of the ptotic breast. However, the technique, as first described, cannot be applied in gigantomastia or severe breast ptosis cases or cases of dense parenchyma of the breast. The senior surgeon suggested an intraoperative modification of the Pitanguy method of reduction mammaplasty to make it applicable for such cases.     

Aesthetic Quality of the Nipple–Areola Complex in Breast Reconstruction with a New Local Graft Technique

Background  

Reconstruction of the nipple–areola complex (NAC) is the last stage of breast reconstruction and represents the search for symmetry in regard to the contralateral breast. The objective of this study was to present an areola reconstruction technique with local skin graft to improve the texture and aspect of the reconstructed areola, searching for a natural look.     

Mammaplasty: The “Super Flap” or the Superior Pedicle Extra Long Flap for Massive Breasts with Marked Ptosis or Gigantomastia

Background  Very large breasts associated with ptosis frequently present a challenge to the plastic surgeon in choosing the ideal procedure to obtain a satisfactory result. A free nipple graft, which for many represents the best option in these conditions, has many disadvantages. Methods  The author’s method of a superior pedicle flap allows for very long flaps, in some cases over 40 cm, and breast ptosis with the nipple at more than 55 cm from the suprasterna notch with preservation of the circulation to the nipple-areola complex. This procedure has been developed and modified from the French oblique method of Dufourmentel and Mouly converted to an inverted T, while the glandular resection is performed in a keel fashion behind the areola to house and give room for these very long flaps without undue compression on them and endangering the blood supply to the areola-nipple complex. Results  The method is described in detail, the early and late results presented, and advantages and disadvantages discussed. It has stood the test of time as it has been used regularly for more than 20 years and has become our standard method. Conclusion  The method presented is especially suitable for very large breasts with ptosis; however, excellent results are also achieved for all other degrees of ptosis, with very little modification in the procedure needed to suit different breast sizes and shapes. Most of the time we obtain a pleasing and attractive breast. This method rarely resulted in complications and never required a blood transfusion.     

Acetabular Distraction: An Alternative for Severe Defects with Chronic Pelvic Discontinuity?

Background  

Stabilization of a pelvic discontinuity with a posterior column plate with or without an associated acetabular cage sometimes results in persistent micromotion across the discontinuity with late fatigue failure and component loosening. Acetabular distraction offers an alternative technique for reconstruction in cases of severe bone loss with an associated pelvic discontinuity.     

Algorithm for an Aesthetically Pleasing Nipple–Areola Complex with the Use of the C-V Flap in Cases of Skin-Sparing Mastectomy and Immediate Reconstruction

Background  This article provides an algorithm for achieving an aesthetically pleasing nipple–areola complex in cases of skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction Methods  If the contralateral nipple was big enough and the nipple-sharing technique could be used in the future for reconstruction, we left a round skin paddle at the time of the skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate flap reconstruction. The diameter of the round skin paddle was approximately the same as the contralateral areola. For nipple reconstruction we placed the graft from the contralateral nipple in the middle of the aforementioned skin paddle. If the contralateral nipple was not sufficiently large for use as a donor, then the C-V flap was used for nipple reconstruction. In these cases we deliberately left an oval skin paddle when the skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate flap reconstruction were performed. The short diameter of the oval skin paddle was approximately the same as the diameter of the contralateral areola. The position and the height of the C-V flap were marked in order to transform the oval skin paddle to a round one when the donor site of the C-V flap was closed. Results  Following this algorithm an optical illusion of a nipple–areola complex that is similar to the contralateral normal one is created. Conclusion  From our experience this algorithm can help create an aesthetically pleasing nipple–areola complex and also provides a ready pattern to our tattoing experts for the dermatography of the nipple–areola complex.     

Preventing the “Bottoming Out” and “Star-gazing” Phenomena in Inferior Pedicle Breast Reduction with an Acellular Dermal Matrix Internal Brassiere

Background

The phenomena of “bottoming out” (pseudoptosis) and “star-gazing” (the upward rotation of the nipple-areola complex) is a common postoperative problem when using the inferior pedicle breast reduction technique. Multiple techniques have been described to help prevent this problem, including internal suspension techniques and the use of mesh to support the pedicle. We describe our technique and present a case series in which acellular dermal matrix (AlloDerm^®) is used as an internal brassiere or sling to support the inferior pedicle and prevent postoperative “bottoming out” and “star-gazing.”

Methods

Twenty-seven patients underwent inferior pedicle reduction mammaplasty through a Wise pattern performed by a single surgeon. In each case, acellular dermal matrix (0.79-2.03 mm thick) was sutured to the chest wall as a sling or internal brassiere to support the inferior pedicle. The pedicle was also plicated in a horizontal fashion to increase the projection of the breast and to improve the position of the nipple-areola complex.

Results

The mean weight of reduction per breast was 850 g. The mean distance from the nipple to the inframammary fold was 16.4 cm. The mean distance from the sternal notch to the nipple was 32.2 cm. Only one patient developed cellulitis and one patient had partial skin flap necrosis. There was no nipple loss. At routine follow-up it was found that the aesthetic breast shape has been retained and pseudoptosis or “bottoming out” was not significant in any patient. The longest follow-up is 29 months.

Conclusion

The use of an acellular dermal matrix internal brassiere is a safe and effective technique for preventing the “bottoming out” and “star-gazing” phenomena that occurs after inferior pedicle breast reduction. Longer-term follow-up will be required to assess the longevity of these results.     

Surgical Delay of the Nipple–Areolar Complex: A Powerful Technique to Maximize Nipple Viability Following Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

Objectives

Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) improves cosmetic outcome of mastectomy, but many patients are not candidates for this procedure because of concerns about nipple-areolar viability. Surgical delay is a technique that has been used for more than 400?years to improve survival of skin flaps. We used a surgical delay procedure to improve nipple viability in patients who were identified to be at high risk for nipple necrosis following NSM.

Methods

Patients at high risk for nipple necrosis following NSM underwent a surgical delay procedure 7?C21?days prior to mastectomy. Subareolar biopsy and sentinel node biopsy, if indicated, were performed at the time of the delay procedure. Nipple viability was assessed before and after NSM. If the subareolar biopsy revealed malignancy, the NAC was removed at the time of mastectomy.

Results

31 NAC in 20 patients underwent surgical delay. All of the NAC subjected to a surgical delay survived following the delay procedure. In 2 patients, the subareolar biopsy was positive and 3 NAC were removed at the time of mastectomy (1 for purposes of symmetry). Of the 28 delayed NAC left at the time of NSM, all survived the post-mastectomy course.

Conclusion

A procedure to surgically delay the NAC 7?C21?days prior to NSM is demonstrated to ensure viability of NAC in patients previously thought to be at high risk for nipple loss.     

Air Drainage: An Essential Technique for Preventing Breast Augmentation–Related Pneumothorax

Background Pneumothorax is one of the most poorly understood and least frequently reported complications associated with breast augmentation, yet this complication presents as a dramatic and often extremely distressing event to both the patient and the surgeon. In addition, this complication is associated with an estimated 10% occurrence of medicolegal consequence. A recent survey of 363 Californian Plastic Surgeons concerning the occurrence and outcome of breast augmentation related Pneumothorax suggested that the incidence of this complication could be more prevalent than previously reported. The author previously suggested barotrauma as the underlying mechanism responsible for the development of pneumothorax associated with breast augmentation. This study aimed to analyze the role of air drainage in preventing pneumothorax during insertion of breast implants. Methods A control group of five patients who experienced pneumothorax was compared with a group of six consecutive patients whose surgical pocket was drained of air during insertion of the implant. Results None of the study patients experienced pneumothorax. Conclusions Air drainage from the surgical cavity during insertion of the implant is extremely successful in preventing the development of breast augmentation–related pneumothorax. It is suggested that air drainage be introduced as a routine step in breast augmentation procedures, particularly in those that involve insertion of large implants through small incisions.