Immediate reconstruction of the nipple/areola complex in oncoplastic surgery after central quadrantectomy

BACKGROUND: Oncoplastic surgery adds valuable techniques for breast-conservation therapy that allows for wide excisions and prevents breast deformities. However, no such technique has addressed loss of the nipple/areola complex (NAC) after central lumpectomy. We present a simple and effective technique for immediate reconstruction of the NAC after such loss due to tumorectomy. METHODS: After central tumorectomy, a local tissue flap is created above the defect to restore the nipple. Then the neonipple is carried on a superior-based, dermoglandular pedicle to its new position, similar to breast reduction surgery. The operation is continued with resection of redundant tissue lateral to the pedicle for optimal breast shape. From the discarded breast tissue, a full-thickness skin graft is harvested and used to reconstruct the areola. The contralateral breast is treated with a usual mammaplasty and tailored to the specific needs of the opposite side. RESULTS: Nine patients with central tumors of the breast were treated in this fashion at our institution. In all patients, the aesthetic result was good to excellent. In 1 patient, there was delayed wound healing of the full-thickness skin graft for the areola, which healed by secondary intention. CONCLUSION: The presented technique is easily achieved and produced excellent results after breast-conservation surgery. It will expand the armamentarium of oncoplastic surgery to meet central defects with loss of the nipple/areola complex.     

下蒂瓣法乳房缩小整形术的效果

目的:探讨下蒂瓣法乳房缩小整形术治疗中重度乳房肥大症的方法及效果。方法:2010年1月至2019年12月,南京医科大学附属妇产医院整形外科对19例女性患者(年龄18~54岁,平均36.2岁)38侧肥大乳房,以Robbins的垂直下蒂瓣术式为基础,结合乳房血供、神经等解剖学进展,进行乳晕设计、下蒂瓣位置等改进。结果:19...     

Central pedicle reduction mammaplasty with a vertical scar: a technical modification

Background: This study introduces a central pedicle reduction mammaplasty with a vertical scar technique.

Objectives: This study is aimed to create a more conical breast shape and long-lasting better projection by modifying reduction mammaplasty by central pedicle flap.

Method: Preoperative markings were made including the meridian line of breast and the new location of the nipple-areola complex (NAC). The new location of the inframammary fold was marked ～2?～?4?cm above the original inframammary fold. An incision was made around the areola, the area between the resection margins and NAC was excised en bloc. The breast parenchyma was excised circumferentially, so that a cone shaped central mound was formed. An inferior and inferolateral glandular resection was performed to reduce the area of the breast base by elevating the position of the inframammary fold. After completion of dissection, the central pedicle surmounted by the NAC was transposed to its new location.

Result: Fifty-six patients were operated with our modified central pedicle technique. The mean amount of resection was 475?g (range?=?130–1080?g). The mean length of follow-up was 18?months (range?=?12–53?months). The mean postoperative satisfaction score was 4.23 (SD?=?0.81). The breast parenchymal ratio significantly increased from 1.2 preoperatively to 3.9 postoperatively.

Conclusion: The modified central pedicle reduction mammaplasty with a vertical scar technique is a versatile breast reduction technique for all shapes and tissue conditions, by providing an attractive conical shape of the breast with minimum scar burden and maximum preservation of breast function.     

The use of a combined technique in reduction mammaplasty (inferior pyramidal and superior glandular techniques)

The management of mammary hypertrophy is a developing process. The common surgical options for reduction mammaplasty include amputation with free nipple graft as well as the bipedicled, inferior pedicle and vertical pedicle techniques. All techniques are used widely. Disadvantages of these procedures include nipple areola necrosis, insensitivity, hypopigmentation, and poor breast projection. Even with the standard modifications of the original techniques, the resultant breast and nipple may be wide and flat. The purpose of this study was to assess whether combined inferior pyramidal pedicle and superior glandular pedicle reduction mammaplasty can optimize nipple and breast projection. Attention will focus on the viability and sensation of the nipple areola complex. Nine patients with mammary hypertrophy were studied. The change in nipple position ranged from 7 to 13 cm. The amount of tissue removed from each breast ranged from 500 to 1150 g. Nipple/areola sensation was retained in all cases with the exception of one breast. Nipple/areola necrosis or hypopigmentation were not observed. Optimal central breast projection was maintained in all patients, and postoperative evaluation was carried out at 12 and 22 months. The patient satisfaction was very high.     

应用改进的下蒂瓣乳房缩小术（附24例报告）

乳房缩小术可解除巨乳患者的各种烦恼，缓解症状恢复形体美，１９９７年以来应用改进的下蒂瓣法为２４例患者施行乳房缩小术，具体方法是画出锁骨中点与乳头的连线，新乳头位置定在连线上第四肋骨间隙处，乳晕直径３～５ｃｍ，下蒂瓣宽度较原设计方法增加，为１２～１４ｃｍ，手术时去除新乳晕区表皮，形成下蒂瓣，切除过多皮肤、脂肪及乳腺组织，如疑有乳腺病变可将乳腺腺体全部切除，重新固定乳头乳晕于新乳晕区，缝合乳房下皱襞切口。２４例轧头乳晕均成活良好，外形满意。双乳头平均上移１６．５ｃｍ，切除组织平均１２８８ｇ。随访时间最长３年，最短６个月，乳房大小与原设计基本相符，巨乳所致胸椎前倾、颈背疼、乳痛症消失，乳头感觉及勃起功能良好。由此认为改进的下蒂瓣法，不仅设计灵活，操作简易，且与其他术式相比无垂直瘢痕，切口均在乳晕缘和下皱襞上等。值得推广。     

乳房重度下垂的直线切口法乳房成形术

目的 介绍应用直线切口法乳房成形术(Lejour法)治疗重度乳房下垂方法及效果.方法 按Lejour法设计手术切口.该类患者新乳头位置较正常人群可适当下移1～2 cm,新乳房下皱襞上移5～10 cm,通过适当下移新乳头位置及上移新乳房下皱襞达到缩短垂直切口距离.剥离乳腺组织,将下垂乳腺组织从乳腺深层固定于胸大肌第2、3肋水平.皮肤无张力缝合.结果 36例中乳房肥大者30例、体积基本正常者6例,经术后3个月至2年随访,无明显并发症,新乳房外形挺拔自然,患者满意.结论 本术式简便易行,远期效果好,可作为重度乳房下垂的术式之一.     

Skin-sparing mastectomy with conservation of the nipple-areola complex and autologous reconstruction is an oncologically safe procedure

OBJECTIVE: Is skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) with conservation of the Nipple-Areola Complex (NAC) and immediate autologous reconstruction as safe in oncologic terms as SSM with resection of the NAC as modified radical mastectomy (MRM)? SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The originally described technique of SSM included the removal of gland, NAC, and biopsy scar. However, the risk of tumor involvement of NAC in patients with breast cancer has been overestimated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1994 and 2000, 286 selected patients with an indication for MRM and tumor margins of greater than 2 cm from the nipple were presented with the alternative of a SSM. Regular follow-up data were evaluable of 112 patients with SSM and 134 patients with MRM. Immediate reconstruction was achieved by latissimus dorsi flap or TRAM flap. The mean follow-up time was 59 (18 to 92) months. RESULTS: Patients with SSM were significantly younger than those with MRM but were comparable regarding clinical data, tumor parameters, adjuvant treatment, and overall complications. After intraoperative frozen sections of the NAC-ground, the NAC could be conserved in 61 (54.5%) but was resected in 51 (45.5%) of the 112 patients with SSM. The aesthetic results after SSM were evaluated as excellent or good in 91.1% (102/112) patients and were significantly better after preservation of the NAC (P = 0.001). Six (5.4%) recurrences occurred in 112 patients with SSM compared with 11 (8.2%) cases after MRM. Only 1 recurrence in a conserved nipple was treated by wide excision of nipple with conservation of the areola. This patient is still free of disease after 52 months. CONCLUSION: In patients who are candidates for a mastectomy and tumors distant from the nipple, SSM with intraoperative frozen section of the NAC ground offers the opportunity of NAC conservation without increasing the risk of local recurrences.     

男性乳房发育症的肿胀双环单蒂缩乳术

目的 探讨男性乳房发育症肿胀双环单蒂缩乳整形术式。方法 5年来采用肿胀局麻技术、乳房双环形切口、乳头乳晕外上真皮乳腺单蒂、乳房缩小术治疗男性乳房发育症，共42例80侧乳房。方法 每侧乳房切除100－500g组织，无乳头、乳晕坏死等并发症。随访3－48个月，除乳晕切口处有轻度瘢痕增生、边缘不整齐外，余无异常，效果较为满意。结论 肿胀局麻技术下乳房双环形切口、乳头、乳晕外上真皮乳腺单蒂、乳房缩小术治疗男性乳房发育症，操作简便，安全，损伤轻，出血少，恢复快。     

Reduction mammoplasty using a modified "B" shape method

This article presents a technique of reduction mammoplasty that is modified from the "B" operation for breast reduction devised by Dr Regnault. The overall excision line resembles the letter "B". The advantages of this technique are as followings: 1. It avoids incision in the so-called hypertrophic areas of the chest. 2. The patient has only a short curved scar (the medial horizontal branch of classic inverted-T incision is eliminated) that is not visible laterally. 3. Because there is no skin undermining, and the nipple is transposed on a upper semicircular dermal flap, so the blood supply of the nipple and areola is very good. 4. Ptotic and hypertrophic breasts can be treated with this method. 5. The resulting shape of the breast was satisfactory.     

Gynecomastia Treatment with Subareolar Glandular Pedicle

BACKGROUND: Gynecomastia is enlargement of the male breast. Although treatment is not indicated in most cases, aesthetic reconstructive surgery is commonly performed for psychological reasons. The goals in surgical treatment are to restore the breast contour with minimal scar and to protect areolar anatomy and sensation. This clinical study investigates the results of the subareolar glandular pedicle technique, in which the pedicle is dissected 2 mm wider than the areola with a circumareolar incision and the breast tissue is excised en bloc. The technique differs from the classical circumareolar approach with its thinner pedicle and excision of the breast without leaving prepectoral tissue. METHODS: We operated on nine patients with grades 1 and 2 gynecomastia using the subareolar glandular pedicle. Exposure was excellent with the circumareolar incision. Neither hematoma nor seroma formation was seen in any of the patients. Partial areola necrosis, which caused suture separation, was the only early postoperative complication seen, and this in a patient who smoked heavily. Patients were followed for at least 6 months. RESULTS: Eight patients achieved a good aesthetic contour of the chest, and one patient needed a contour revision for the residual mass because of a bulky pedicle. Circumareolar scars were satisfactory for all the patients, including the patient with partial areola necrosis. Circumareolar hyperpigmentation developed in one patient, and areola sensation was preserved in seven patients. CONCLUSIONS: The subareolar glandular pedicle is indicated for grades 1 and 2 gynecomastia. Circumareolar incision provides perfect exposure. The technique is reliable if the pedicle is dissected 2 mm wider than the areola and dissection under the pedicle is avoided. Postoperative circumareolar scarring is minimal and nipple-areola sensation is preserved in most cases. However, experience is needed to determine the pedicle girth because a wide pedicle leads to subareolar bulk, whereas a thin pedicle may cause partial areola necrosis.     

Modified vertical reduction mammaplasty: ten years of experience

Background

Over the years, vertical scar breast reduction has gained more and more importance. This is due to the fact that this technique is associated with smaller scars and absence of scars in the inframammary fold. However, this technique also has some disadvantages, such as the pleating of the vertical scar during the first 6–12 months and final shape of the breast is achieved only after a year. It also cannot be applied to very large mammary hypertrophies. Herein, we present some modifications to the vertical scar breast reduction that allow long lasting results and reduced complications.

Methods

The modified vertical reduction was executed in 280 patients. Depending on the breast type and position of the nipple–areola complex (NAC) three different types of pedicles were used: superior, supero-medial and supero-lateral. Follow-up was carried out for at least 18 months and complications were recorded.

Results

Neither major complications nor bottoming out deformity were detected during follow-up. Maximum volume of tissue reduced was 1,600 g per breast.

Conclusion

By adding some modifications to the vertical scar breast reduction, the technique can be indicated in large mammary hypertrophies. A meticulous preoperative marking, minimum detachment of the breast, the suturing of mammary pillars, and a thin but large NAC pedicle are essential for obtaining a long lasting mammary shape and better results. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.     

Vertical Scar Mastopexy with an Implant

We describe a technique for the correction of ptotic and hypoplastic breasts that combines the vertical scar technique with the insertion of a subpectoral saline implant. This operation consists of a vertical elliptical skin incision through which we make a subpectoral pocket, insert a smooth surface implant, sit the patient up, and mark a new nipple placement. We then remove a wedge of breast tissue above the areola to position it at the marked spot. This simple technique has few complications and a high level of patient satisfaction.     

Evaluation of nipple-areola complex sensitivity after the latero-central glandular pedicle technique in breast reduction.

INTRODUCTION: Previous anatomical and clinical studies have shown that nipple-areola sensitivity decreased significantly after conventional superior and inferior pedicle technique for 3-6 months postoperatively. We found it necessary to modify our techniques in breast reduction to achieve a better outcome regarding breast sensation. Since 1999, we have been using a new technique of breast reduction with a latero-central glandular pedicle. The pedicle for the nipple-areola is based on a horizontal septum and it is designed to incorporate the anterior ramus of the lateral branch of the fourth inter-costal nerve and perforator vessels. Using this technique, a prospective study was conducted in order to quantitatively assess the nipple-areola sensitivity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sensitivity of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) was evaluated in 20 consecutive patients undergoing breast reduction with the septum-based lateral pedicle technique. The sensitivity was assessed preoperatively, 2 weeks and 3 months postoperatively by the same examiner. The nipple and four cardinal points of the areola were tested. Pressure thresholds were measured with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, temperature sensitivity with hot (40 degrees C) and cold (4 degrees C) metal probes and vibratory thresholds with the Biothesiometer. Average sensation of the areola was calculated by means of the four areas tested. RESULTS: Average values of different patterns of sensitivity decreased significantly on the tested areola 2 weeks postoperatively. Three months postoperatively, pressure and vibration values were statistically comparable in averages to preoperative values (nipple: 46.2+/-3.8 versus 34.6+/-2.2 g/mm2 and 6.4+/-1.2 versus 3.7+/-1 micron; areola: 57.4+/-5.7 versus 49+/-6.8 g/mm2 and 6.7+/-1.2 versus 3.1+/-0.6 micron). Concerning the ability to recognise temperature, 27.5 and 20% of patients could not distinguish between cold and hot 3 months after surgery, on the nipple and the areola, respectively. Numbness was found only on two NAC despite the significant decrease of sensitivity after 2 weeks. This may be attributed to postoperative oedema or neuropraxia. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that using the latero-central glandular pedicle technique preserves the sensitivity of the NAC.     

Modification of Vertical Scar in Vertical Mammaplasty Technique

Vertical mammaplasty is a simple and safe procedure that relies on an upper pedicle to the areola with lower central breast reduction and glandular shaping. We applied this technique to six patients adding a modification of the vertical scar which distributed skin tension both to the areola and vertical suture line. It prevented an unacceptable puckering vertical scar and enlargement of areola. This modification also provided satisfactory breast shape with a good vertical scar especially at the early postoperative period.     

Central Pedicled Breast Reduction Technique in Male Patients After Massive Weight Loss

Male patients after massive weight loss often suffer from redundant skin and soft tissue in the anterior and lateral chest region, causing various deformities of pseudogynecomastia. Techniques with free or pedicled nipple–areola complex (NAC) transposition are widely accepted. The authors present their approach to male breast reduction with preservation of the NAC on a central dermoglandular pedicle and a wide elliptical tissue excision of breast and lateral thorax tissue in combination with liposuction. Male breast reduction was performed on patients after moderate to massive weight loss due to diet or bariatric procedures. Former procedures included free nipple–areola grafts or inferior pedicled techniques for NAC preservation. As a modification, we performed a central pedicled breast reduction on nine male patients with excessive liposuction of the pedicle and a horizontal elliptical skin removal, allowing for sufficient tissue removal at the lateral thorax. From October 2010 until June 2011, nine male patients had central pedicled breast reconstructions after massive weight loss. Mean age was 29.1 years, mean preoperative body mass index was 29.2, and mean preoperative weight loss was 63.9 kg. The chest wall improvement was rated “very good” by eight patients. No major complications occurred in all nine patients. Male chest deformities after massive weight loss can be dealt by several approaches. The optimal scar positioning and the preservation of NAC may be the most challenging aspects of these procedures. Therefore, the preservation of the NAC on a central dermoglandular pedicle with a horizontal submammary scar course may optimize the esthetic outcome.     

Short scar reduction mammaplasty in the bariatric patient

Reduction mammaplasty may be necessary even after massive weight loss. Patients typically present with unfavorable breast features such as significant loss of upper pole volume, inelastic skin, and severe ptosis. The most common approach in the United States has been the Wise-pattern inferior pedicle technique, emphasizing skin excision. This report presents the short scar vertical reduction mammaplasty approach for the bariatric patient population. It aims to demonstrate improved outcomes with less scar burden. The study included 15 women (n = 29 breast reductions) with mean age of 41.8 years. All the patients had undergone gastric bypass surgery, with mean weight loss of 109 pounds and mean body mass index of 33.3 kg/m(2). A modified superomedial pedicle vertical mammaplasty technique was used. New nipple position was placed lower than the inframammary fold in accordance with vertical lack of upper pole fullness. Suction-assisted lipectomy was used to contour the inferior pole of the breast before glandular resection. A full-thickness superomedial pedicle and median incision of the upper pole maximized pedicle safety. The mean breast resection was 605 g on the right side (range, 352-945) and 592 g on the left side (range, 360-908). Patient satisfaction was high, with pleasing and stable breast shape at long-term, and a mean patient-related aesthetic ranking of 4.3 of 5.0. No major complications were noted. It is shown that superomedial pedicle vertical reduction mammaplasty can be an alternative approach in bariatric patients, achieving long-term pleasing and stable results with significantly decreased scar burden.     

The vertical double-pedicle method (Mckissock's) for reduction mammoplasty. Report of 10 cases

Ten cases of macromastia were treated by Mckissok's vertical double-pedicle operation to reduce the size of breast. A sitting or standing posture is taken for preoperative device. The new site of nipple is located at the cross point of midclavicular line and the 5th intercostal space or the line through midpoints of two upper arms. The skin in the middle part of pedicle is thinned into 0.2-0.4 mm in thickness. In order to obtain an ideal appearance of the breast after modeling, appropriate tension of sutures is important. This study suggests that vertical double-pedicle method may shift the nipple and areola upward to a considerable extent, so it is suitable for a moderately and severely enlarged breast and mastoptosis. The advantages of this method are easy to design, a better exposure, convenience for operation, less scar and better sensation over nipple and areola. Therefore vertical double-pedicle method for reducing the size of a huge breast is worthy to be introduced.     

The spring-back phenomenon: does the final position of the nipple areola complex correspond to the pre-operative markings in reduction mammoplasty?

This study investigates whether tissue recoil or patient intrinsic factors influence the final position of the nipple areola complex (NAC) after reduction mammoplasty. The age, pre-operative ptosis, BMI and weight of the tissue resected were recorded as patient intrinsic factors in 37 patients undergoing reduction mammoplasty. The “spring-back” value was defined as the distance from the sternal notch to a nipple landmark on the breast meridian with the patient sitting up, minus the same measurement repeated with the patient recumbent to eliminate the pull of gravity on the breast. Spring back was measured pre-operatively for the nipple and nipple mark then post-operative for the nipple. The difference in centimeters between the final post-operative distance from the sternal notch to the nipple and the level intended by the pre-operative nipple mark was termed the “judgment error.” The final position of the post-operative nipple and the judgment error was compared to the spring-back values and patient intrinsic factors. Pre-operative ptosis was statistically related to increasing patient BMI and mass of tissue resected per breast. Pre-operative spring-back values for the nipple increased with increasing ptosis, BMI and decreasing age. Spring-back values were greater in the lower pole of the breast than in the upper pole. The final position of the nipple was higher than the pre-operative mark in 65% of cases, lower in 8% and as marked in 27% of cases. The post-operative NAC was, on average, 0.6 cm higher than planned pre-operatively. The post-operative distance from the sternal notch to the nipple increased with increasing pre-operative ptosis, mass of breast tissue resected per breast and all three spring-back values. The difference between the level of the pre-operative mark and the final nipple position showed a weak correlation with post-operative spring-back values. The parameters of ptosis, BMI, weight of tissue resected per breast and pre-operative nipple spring back reflect body habitus and breast size. Spring-back values vary between the upper and lower pole of the breast. The final NAC position was higher than that intended at pre-operative marking in the majority of cases. The surgeon instinctively marks the nipple lower in patients with greater pre-operative ptosis and in whom a larger resection is anticipated. Judgment error did not relate to intrinsic factors nor to pre-operative spring-back values; hence, these parameters cannot be applied as predictive tools for more accurate pre-operative marking of the nipple position. This study suggests that the pre-operative nipple mark should be placed, with the patient sitting up, at least 23 cm from the sternal notch and 0.6 cm lower than the final position estimated using the inframammary crease as a landmark. An invited commentary on this paper is available at .     

The dermal overlap subareolar mastopexy: A preliminary report

Background: The major disadvantage of the circumareolar mastopexy is the risk of hypertrophic scarring and relapse or widening of the areola. Objective: The author describes a new technique that gives added support to the scar by means of a dermal overlap flap that is buried under the areola. Methods: A doughnut incision is made, with the size of the outer circle dependent on the amount of ptosis to be corrected. The areolar flap is elevated close to the nipple pedicle, a circumferential incision is made through the dermis between the pedicle and the outer incision, and the dermal edge is elevated. After the mastopexy, closure is performed with nonabsorbable purse-string sutures. Results: Initial results in a series of 34 cases have been encouraging, with no loss of nipple sensation and with less scarring and more natural nipple projection than occurs in conventional doughnut mastopexy procedures. Conclusions: This technique can be used to reduce scarring in procedures such as mastopexy, breast reduction, and tubular breast correction. (Aesthetic Surg J 2001;21:423-427.)     

巨乳缩小术常见手术方法的选择

目的:比较巨乳缩小术常用的临床手术方法,探讨各自的适应证。方法:对15例巨乳症患者行手术治疗,其中垂直双蒂法7例,双环法8例。观察术后乳头乳晕血运及乳房外形。结果:所有患者全部恢复良好,无乳头乳晕坏死,乳房外形均满意。结论:垂直双蒂法较适用于中重度巨乳症,双环法较适用于轻中度巨乳症。