Benefits and pitfalls of vertical scar breast reduction.

A quality assurance study was undertaken three years after beginning the vertical scar breast reduction technique. We examined the rate of early and late complications (major and minor) and compared these to the formerly used inverted-T scar and L scar breast reduction techniques. Inverted-T scar breast reductions have an early complication rate of up to 20% and a late complication rate of 20-30%.Our vertical scar breast reduction is a modified Lassus technique, incorporating a geometrically based and measurable preoperative marking of the breast, a superior pedicle, a central breast resection, an intraoperative positioning of the nipple-areola complex, and occasionally a periareolar skin resection.In the time span examined (September 1998-December 2001) 153 patients could be included in the study. The resection weight per breast ranged from 60 to 1262 g (mean 390+/-210 g, median 380 g).The early complication rate (hematoma, seroma, wound dehiscence, wound infection and necrosis) was 21.6%. Of these cases, 19.6% were minor complications. The late complication or imperfection rate was evaluated very strictly using the standardized, extended scheme of Ferreira (problems of volume, shape, symmetry, areola, scars and position of the breast on the thorax) and was 26%. Major late complications necessitating a reoperation occurred in 11.1% of cases.These complication rates compare well to those of other vertical breast reduction techniques and T scar reductions in our own clinic and in the literature. Given that the vertical scar breast reduction method also results in shorter scars and a significantly better, long-lasting breast projection, this technique is clearly justified to remain the standard method at our clinic.     

A comparison of the LeJour and Wise pattern methods of breast reduction

Supporters of the vertical mammoplasty state the resultant breast shape and scar are superior to the Wise pattern breast reduction. This study contains a comparison of the LeJour vertical reduction with the Wise pattern reduction by analysis of pre- and postoperative photographs, as well as a retrospective review comparing operative times, blood loss, complications, and a postoperative patient questionnaire. Of the 112 women who had moderate to large reductions (>500 g/breast) between 1999 and 2002, 65 subjects had adequate standard perioperative photographs. Esthetic appearance, symmetry, nipple quality, and scarring were assessed using a Likert scale (10 = superior, 1 = poor) by 30 evaluators. Based on the photographic analysis, there is no difference in the esthetic outcome between the vertical reduction mammaplasty and the inferior pedicle Wise pattern mammaplasty. Additionally, this study indicates that vertical patients with moderate to large reductions have a significantly higher rate of complications when their body mass index is greater than 30 kg/m.     

Reduction mammaplasty by central pedicle flap with short submammary scar

Reduction mammaplasty was performed in 30 patients by combining the central pedicle flap method with the short submammary scar (3-S) technique to avoid the common drawbacks of currently popular dermoglandular procedures. Reduction was accomplished by using perforating vascular branches from the pectoralis major muscle and its fascia supplying the nipple and breast parenchyme instead of the subdermal plexus. The central vascular pedicle supplying the nipple-areola complex was preserved. Only the periphery of the breast parenchyme was resected circumferentially, with the exception of the inferolateral portion, so as not to injure the sensory nerve. The remaining breast parenchyme was preserved in an inverted cone shape. The nipple-areola complex was safely transposed with great freedom, and the amount of resection was accurately adjusted for symmetry. No cases of nipple-areola complex sensory change occurred postoperatively, and lactation is possible because of preservation of the lactiferous ducts. The length of postoperative scars was reduced by using the short submammary scar technique. We believe this combined method is ideal in patients requiring resections ranging from 200 to 600 g per breast with good skin elasticity and moderate degree of ptosis.Presented at the Sixth Asian Pacific Congress of the International Confederation for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, in Seoul, Korea, October 1993.     

Reduction mammaplasty in the previously radiated breast: is it safe and does it interfere oncologically?

Lumpectomy with axillary dissection followed by irradiation for early breast cancer, also known as breast conservation therapy, offers less radical surgery with similar rates of survival and recurrences. However, following radiation therapy, temporary and permanent, early and late changes of the breast soft tissue can occur. Thus, any subsequent elective surgery can potentially end in disappointment and disaster. The safety of reduction mammaplasty following irradiation and its effect on oncological follow-up are not well known. In this case report, a 39-year-old female patient is presented. Her breast carcinoma was treated with breast conservation therapy plus irradiation, followed by breast reduction using the inferior pedicle technique 2.5 years later. Postoperative healing was uneventful with no postoperative complications and the aesthetic result was satisfactory. We strongly believe that surgery should be delayed until resolution of the early signs of radiotherapy. Regardless of the technique, if surgical steps are performed delicately on appropriately selected patients, reduction mammaplasty can be accomplished safely. Of course, pathological evaluation of the resected material, as well as postoperative mammograms are essential in order to detect any recurrence.     

The bowler's grip in reduction mammaplasty -A new technique for the assistant

Reduction mammaplasty with the inferior pedicle technique using the Strömbeck pattern incurs some risk of undercutting the pedicle, thus endangering the viability of the nipple-areola complex. The authors present a technique of holding the breast similar to the grip of a fast bowler. This stabilizes the tissues and allows for more accurate dissection, thus minimizing damage to the pedicle.     

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.     

Use of the VersaJet for pedicle deepithelialization during breast reduction surgery

Background  Many modern techniques of breast reduction require that a pedicle of breast tissue be deepithelialized. The process of deepithelialization is both tedious and time consuming. Many techniques have been described to facilitate the process of deepithelialization in breast reduction, but none have replaced the gold standard of using the scalpel. This series details the authors’ results using the VersaJet Hydrosurgery System for pedicle deepithelialization in breast reduction surgery. Methods  In this study, 20 patients underwent inferior pedicle breast reduction using the VersaJet for pedicle deepithelialization between September 2006 and June 2007. The overall time required for pedicle deepithelialization using the VersaJet was compared with the average overall time required for deepithelialization using the scalpel. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Results  An overall time-savings of 10 to 25 min per case was noted using the VersaJet for pedicle deepithelialization rather than the scalpel. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered due to use of the VersaJet for pedicle deepithelialization. Conclusions  The VersaJet is a safe and effective tool for pedicle deepithelialization in breast reduction surgery. The VersaJet significantly facilitates the process of pedicle deepithelialization and requires less time than use of the scalpel for the procedure.     

改良垂直下蒂法在巨乳缩小术中的应用效果分析

目的:探讨改良垂直下蒂法在巨乳缩小术中的应用效果。方法:选择2017年3月-2019年10月笔者医院治疗的70例巨乳患者作为研究对象,随机分为对照组(n=35)和观察组(n=35)。对照组采用双环法手术治疗,观察组采用改良垂直下蒂法手术治疗,比较两组患者的手术效果。结果:观察组术后乳晕直径及温哥华瘢痕评分均低于对照组,乳房形态评分高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察组术后生理功能、社会功能、生理职能、精神健康、情感职能、活力、总体健康各项指标评分均高于对照组,且观察组术后并发症发生率明显低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:巨乳患者采用改良垂直下蒂巨乳缩小术治疗,有利于乳房外观形态及生理功能的恢复,其术后并发症较低,提升了患者术后的生活质量,值得推广应用。     

Breast reduction as an alternative treatment option for early breast cancer in women with macromastia

Macromastia has been considered a relative contraindication to breast conservation therapy because of difficulties with postoperative radiation therapy and cosmesis. This study evaluates the feasibility of the inferior pedicle reduction mammaplasty as a component of breast conservation therapy for patients with early breast cancer. A retrospective review identified 6 patients with macromastia receiving oncologic treatment of breast cancer and simultaneous breast reduction. Mean age was 43.5 +/- 8.7 (mean +/- SD) years, and all breast cancers were stage I or II, averaging 2.3 +/- 1.5 cm in size. All patients underwent a Wise-pattern inferior pedicle breast reduction after cancer extirpation and received postoperative radiation as part of their treatment. They were evaluated for postoperative complications, esthetic outcome of the breasts, and local recurrence. Patients in this series were followed for an average of 30.3 months, with no significant postoperative complications and recurrences. Breast reduction incisions healed primarily and adjuvant radiation was completed without a delay. All patients were pleased with the esthetic result and had improvement of their symptoms related to macromastia. Thus, we believe that breast reduction is a reasonable and safe option for early breast cancer patients with macromastia who desire breast conservation therapy. Our combined oncologic and reconstructive approach may improve the outcome of this group of patients with early breast cancers.     

No-vertical-scar inferior pedicle breast reduction using the dermal suspension sling

Background

The authors previously presented favorable outcomes with the use of the horizontal dermal suspension sling and plication of the inferior pedicle in reduction mammaplasty surgical cases. We propose a modification to this technique tailored to patients with moderate to severe ptosis. The modification avoids the vertical scar inherent to the inverted T pattern.

Methods

The surgical technique utilizes portions of the dermal suspension and plication technique previously described by the authors. Minor modifications were made to take advantage of the vertical excess of skin found in patients with moderate to severe macromastia and ptotic breasts. The modification leads to a superior skin flap that drapes the inferior pedicle and newly constructed breast mound, resulting in a single inframammary scar.

Results

Thirty-eight women have undergone breast reduction using the vertical scarless inferior pedicle with horizontal dermal suspension and plication surgical technique. Breast projection and shape were sustained during follow-up with positive aesthetic results; the median follow–up time was 7 months.

Conclusions

The modifications to our surgical technique allowed for an improved appearance in the postoperative breast scar and in the overall cosmetic outcome in patients who underwent large-volume breast reductions. Level of Evidence: IV, therapeutic study     

乳外微小切口乳腺良性实体肿瘤切除术对提高术后乳房美容效果的临床研究

目的 观察乳外微小切口乳腺良性实体肿瘤切除术的疗效及对术后乳房美容效果的影响。方法 选取2021年6月-2022年6月我院收治的56例乳腺良性实体肿瘤患者为研究对象,采用随机数字表法分为对 照组和观察组,各28例。对照组采用传统大切口,观察组采用乳外微小切口切除术,比较两组临床手术指 标、并发症发生情况及乳房美容满意度评分。结果 观察组手术时间、手术切口、术中出血量、切口愈合时 间均优于对照组（P＜0.05）;观察组并发症总发生率为7.14%,低于对照组的17.86%（P＜0.05）;观察组 乳房外形、对称性、瘢痕满意度评分均高于对照组（P＜0.05）。结论 乳外微小切口乳腺良性实体肿瘤切 除术可减小创伤程度,缩短手术时间,减少术中出血量,促进切口愈合,美容效果及患者满意度均较高, 是一种安全有效的治疗方案,值得临床应用。     

A prospective quantitative comparison of breast sensation after superior and inferior pedicle mammaplasty.

Reduction mammaplasty techniques using the inferior pedicle have been recommended to preserve the nipple and areolar sensation after surgery. The vertical scar mammaplasty with a superior pedicle has often been criticised because of the potential for damage to the sensory supply of the nipple-areola complex. The aim of this study was to assess the breast sensation in two prospective series of patients operated upon using superior pedicle and inferior pedicle mammaplasties. Between November 1996 and February 1997, 20 consecutive patients (39 breasts) underwent breast reduction using the inferior pedicle technique with inverted T scar (Robbin's technique). This series of patients was matched with another series of 18 patients (36 breasts) who had breast reduction using a vertical scar mammaplasty with superior pedicle (Lejour's technique) in another centre. Cutaneous pressure thresholds were recorded using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. The values were obtained on the quadrants of the skin of the breast, the areola and the nipple. The sensitivity test was performed preoperatively, then at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Patients' characteristics (age, weight, breast ptosis, breast mass resected and risk factors) were statistically similar between the two groups. The preoperative values of pressure sensation on the different areas tested were statistically similar between the two groups. The sensitivity decreased on almost all the tested areas of the breast at 3 months postoperatively. No patient had an insensitive area on the breast at 6 months after surgery. Some areas of the breast showed a significant difference in pressure sensitivity after one technique compared to the other: better sensation on the skin of the superior and lateral quadrants after the superior pedicle technique at 3 months (P< 0.001), poorer areolar sensation on the inferior quadrant after the superior pedicle technique at 3 and 6 months (P< 0.05) and on the superior quadrant after the inferior pedicle technique at 3 months only (P< 0.05). However, the mean value of the areolar quadrants was statistically similar after both techniques. The nipple sensation was significantly decreased in both groups at 3 months but remained comparable between the two groups. Breast innervation was damaged by breast reduction using both the inferior and the superior pedicle techniques. The breast skin had better sensation after the superior pedicle technique while the areola had slightly better sensation after the inferior pedicle technique. At 6 months, the mean value of nipple-areola complex pressure sensation was comparable in the two series of patients.     

应用不同切口与蒂进行乳房缩小整形术的比较

目的 对应用不同切口与蒂进行乳房缩小整形术的适应证、手术效果及各种方法的优缺点进行对比分析。方法 2003至2004年，我们采用不同切口与蒂行乳房缩小整形术31例，术后对患者就外形满意度、乳头乳晕感觉及切口瘢痕满意度进行问卷调查。结果 外形满意率：乳腺蒂组100％，内侧蒂组75％，外下蒂组100％，下蒂组84．6％；应用环乳晕切口83．3％，倒T形切口89．9％，短L形切口80．6％，垂直切口100％，短横倒T形切口100％。结论 倒T形切口仅适用于肥大程度较重的乳房，环乳晕切口较适合于轻度的乳房肥大，短L形切口、垂直切口和短横倒T形切口吸收了两者的优点，既缩小乳房基底部，使形成的乳房比较挺拔又不会形成较大的瘢痕。轻度乳房肥大，乳腺蒂是最佳的选择；对于中度乳房肥大，应根据切口的设计选择下蒂或外下蒂；而对于较重度乳房肥大，则以下蒂为首选。     

竖直切口内上蒂巨乳缩小术的临床应用

目的 根据巨乳缩小术的手术原则,探讨一种既能保证乳房血供和功能,又能保持良好乳房外观的手术方式,并观察其临床疗效.方法 本组共10例乳房肥大症患者,采用竖直切口结合内上蒂法行乳房缩小术.根据术前设计,去除内上蒂表皮,形成腺体蒂,再切除外下象限多余的皮肤及腺体,重塑乳房形态.结果 术后无皮肤坏死、脂肪液化、乳头乳晕感觉减退、血肿和感染等并发症发生,切口均Ⅰ期愈合.术后随访3～12个月,患者对术后乳房外观形态及功能均表示满意,能接受术后瘢痕.结论 竖直切口内上蒂巨乳缩小术操作简单、安全,对轻、中度,特别是中度乳房肥大患者特别适用,术后和远期均能达到满意疗效.     

经环乳晕切口与放射状切口乳腺纤维腺瘤切除术的美容效果比较

比较经环乳晕切口与放射状切口乳腺纤维腺瘤切除术的美容效果。方法 选取2019年 12月-2022年12月正安县宏仁医院确诊乳腺纤维腺瘤并实施手术的患者50例作为研究对象，根据手术方 式不同分为对照组（24例）和观察组（26例）。对照组实施放射状切口手术，观察组实施环乳晕切口手 术，比较两组手术状况、手术瘢痕愈合评分、外形评分、术后并发症发生情况、临床疗效及美容效果满 意度。结果 观察组切口长度短于对照组，术中出血量少于对照组，住院时间短于对照组（P ＜0.05）； 两组手术时间比较，差异无统计学意义（P ＞0.05）；观察组手术瘢痕愈合评分低于对照组，外形评分高 于对照组（P ＜0.05）；观察组术后并发症发生率为7.69%，低于对照组的25.00%（P ＜0.05）；观察组优良 率为92.31%，高于对照组的79.17%（P＜0.05）；观察组美容效果满意度评分高于对照组（P ＜0.05）。结论 在乳腺纤维腺瘤切除术中，实施环乳晕切口较放射状切口具有出血少、切口小、术后并发症少、住院周期 短以及疗效确切、美容效果好等优点。     

乳晕缘切口治疗乳腺良性肿瘤的临床疗效研究

目的探讨乳晕缘切口在治疗乳腺良性肿瘤中的疗效与临床应用。方法将符合标准的120例乳房良性肿瘤患者,随机分成观察组60例与对照组60例,观察组患者使用乳晕缘切口进行治疗,对照组患者使用传统放射状切口进行治疗。比较两组患者的治疗效果。结果观察组的切口愈合时间为（9.3±2.8）d,显著性低于对照组的（13.5±3.1）d（P〈0.05）。观察组患者切口甲级愈合、术后乳房对称、瘢痕可接受以及术后患者满意分别为95.0%、93.3%、85.0%与90.0%,均显著性高于对照组的80.0%、75.0%、65.0%与71.7%（P〈0.05）。两组患者在局部血肿、切口感染、乳晕感觉异常以及术后复发等并发症上差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论使用乳晕缘切口治疗乳腺良性肿瘤安全有效,操作简单,患者恢复快,满意度高,值得在临床上推广使用。     

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.     

Vertical Scar Mammaplasty in Gigantomastia: Retrospective Study of 115 Patients Treated Using the Modified Lejour Technique

Since 1996, the original technique of superior pedicle vertical scar mammaplasty described by Lejour has been modified by decreasing skin and glandular undermining, limiting liposuction, avoiding tight glandular stitches, and adding a small horizontal scar for very large breasts. Between 1996 and 2002, 115 consecutive patients underwent a bilateral reduction mammaplasty of more than 500 g per breast using the modified Lejour technique. The early, late, and delayed complications were studied according to four parameters: glandular resection, age, smoking habits, and body mass index (BMI). There was no difference in terms of complications according to the glandular resection. Patients with a high BMI were found to have a higher rate of wound dehiscence. The occurrence of partial areolar necrosis proved to be related to smoking habits. Patients younger than 20 years presented a lower rate of seroma. The modified Lejour technique has proved to be safe and effective for large breasts.     

DIEP-flap failure after pedicle division three years following transfer.

Flap neovascularisation is generally believed to make free skin-containing flaps independent of their axial pedicle blood supply. A case of DIEP-flap failure 3 years after transfer is presented in a breast reconstruction patient in whom a lateral breast reduction for symmetry improvement was performed. Causative factors in this patient were the division of the flap pedicle during lateral breast reduction and smoking in the postoperative period. A review of literature is presented and highlights the uniqueness of this case.     

直线法乳房成形术的临床应用

目的介绍直线法乳房成形术(Lejour法)及其改进方法。方法按Lejour法设计手术切口,剥离乳腺组织,仅保留上部蒂营养乳头、乳晕,去除部分肥大下部及基底乳腺组织,将剩余腺体组织的乳腺基底层固定于第2、3肋水平。重新塑形乳腺组织,皮肤无张力缝合。对于部分乳房肥大明显患者可以首先抽吸脂肪,主要减少乳房腺体内、外侧及侧胸部皮下脂肪。结果采用此法矫治巨乳症、单纯乳房下垂共48例,其中辅助脂肪抽吸13例,术后乳房外形美观,术后3个月随访,3例有修整乳晕瘢痕或乳房下皱襞瘢痕。结论本术式简便易行,且远期效果好,乳房外形挺拔,可作为乳房缩小悬吊术的可行术式之一。