Unsatisfactory results of periareolar mastopexy with or without augmentation and reduction mammoplasty: enlarged areola with flattened nipple

A method of repair is described for correction of abnormally enlarged nipple–areola complex following both periareolar mastopexy and pregnancy. Although during periolar mastopexy or reduction mammoplasty regular subcuticular dermal sutures may control the enlargement of nipple–areola complexes initially, the periareolar scar becomes hypertrophic and areolar spreading occurs to some extent. Periareolar mastopexy techniques are indeed advisable only for minimal hypertrophies or ptosis of the breast, especially for areolar asymmetry, if an acceptable, normal-size areola is expected. The authors believe that in periolar mastopexy or reduction mammoplasty cases resulting in enlarged nipple–areola complexes, the size of the areola can also be corrected by reduction mammoplasty or mastopexy using vertical bipedicle techniques. Although surgery results in an inverted T incision, the shape of the breast is more acceptable and the size of the areola does not enlarge with time.     

Dermafascial Fixation Suture: A Technique for a More Durable Projection with Short-Scar (Vertical) Reduction Mammaplasty

Background Short-scar reduction mammaplasty has several advantages over the traditional technique, mainly reduced scarring and superior long-term breast shape. Multiple modifications of the short scar reduction mammaplasty technique have been made in an effort to decrease the learning curve while improving the results. The authors present another modification of the short-scar technique for a more durable projection without reliance on a skin envelope. Methods The perimeters of the medial pedicle and the nipple–areola complex are marked, and the medial pedicle is deepithelialized. A 2 × 5-cm skin area at the inferior border of the pedicle is further deepithelialized, then pexied to the pectoralis fascia in a superomedial direction using a nonabsorbable monofilamanet suture with a horizontal mattress suturing technique. Results Taking the suture bites from the dermis rather than the breast parenchyma for the pexy aims to spare the pedicle’s circulation. This durable internal rearrangement of the breast parenchyma with dermafascial pexy further decreases the tension at the nipple–areola complex because the final breast shape no longer relies on the skin closure. Suture spitting at the nipple–areola complex also is prevented with elimination of the purse-string suture because there is no need for a further decrease in the tension with the purse-string suture after the dermafascial pexy. Conclusions The authors believe that the dermafascial pexy is a concept more than a technique. It incorporates the two strongest structures, the dermis and the fascia, to achieve more durable results not only with reduction mammaplasty, but also with any aesthetic breast surgery that uses the pedicles.     

Periareolar reduction mammaplasty utilizing the inferior dermal pedicle

The critical points which should not be overlooked when performing reduction mammaplasty are to minimize scar on the breast and to ensure a sufficient blood supply for the viability of the nipple–areolar complex. Periareolar reduction mammaplasty has been widely used because it left only one scar around the areola. However, with the typical periareolar reduction mammaplasty technique, it is difficult to remove a large amount of breast tissue and mobilize the remaining breast tissue. It may result in necrosis of the nipple–areolar complex in some cases. To overcome these limitations we combined the periareolar incision with the inferior dermal pedicle, which has a relatively good blood supply. This new technique was employed in 22 consecutive women (44 breasts) with hypertrophy and a varying degree of ptosis. Infiltration of a tumescent solution and liposuction were performed in all cases. After periareolar incision, dissection of the skin was performed, and the breast was elevated from the fascia of the pectoralis major muscle, leaving the inferior dermal pyramidal pedicle. An adequate amount of tissue was resected in the superior, medial, and lateral areas. After mastopexy, closure was done with a purse-string suture. The amount of tissue resected ranged from 180 to 1510 g per breast, and the mean was 466.1 g. The mean length of elevation of the nipple was 10.6 cm along the meridian of the breast. There were a few complications which needed revision operation: hematoma collection in one breast (2.3%), wound dehiscence in one breast (2.3%), and fat necrosis in one breast (2.3%). There was no necrosis of the nipple–areolar complex. With this new technique of periareolar reduction mammaplasty utilizing the inferior dermal pedicle, we were able to minimize the scar, preserve the nipple–areolar complex, and improve the motility of the breast tissue. But we also observed a flat or square appearance in the case of a large amount of resection in the patients with poor skin elasticity. This technique is safe and versatile and produces aesthetically acceptable results in selected patients.     

Wavy line closure for revision of abdominal scars with suture marks in children

Although various methods are available to treat scars, it is difficult to manage those with suture marks that look like fish-bones, mainly because a large amount of tissue between the suture marks must be discarded with the scar. We report the wavy line closure for revision of abdominal scars with suture marks in three children who were operated on for congenital abdominal diseases. The entire scar, including all the suture marks, was excised using an incision consisting of a pair of smoothly waved lines. This incision makes it possible to reduce the tension on the wound by preserving the normal skin between the suture marks, which is followed by fine scars. The resulting wave-shaped scar is less noticeable and more resistant to postoperative contracture than a straight scar.     

Successfully Exploiting Two Opposing Forces: A Rational Explanation for the ��Interlocking Suture��

Background  

Issues of poor circumareolar scars and asymmetry or malposition of the nipple–areola complex (NAC) are frequently associated with those breast reduction or pexy techniques that rely on an ample excision of skin around the areola, either alone or associated with a vertical scar in a circumvertical approach. To prevent such problems, in 2007 Hammond et al. introduced the “interlocking suture.” The objective of this study was to demonstrate the true ability of this suture to reduce the common complications of periareolar surgery simply by managing the existing contrast between NAC centripetal and outer breast tegument centrifugal forces.     

Mastopexy utilizing a dermoglandular hammock flap

BackgroundMany procedures have been described in the search for the ideal mastopexy technique, ranging from simple cutaneous reduction, with or without glandular remodelling, to the use of dermal flaps fixed to the pectoral fascia, or even the use of silicone mesh or sheets.ObjectiveWe describe a technique that uses a dermoglandular hammock flap to achieve optimal position and shape of the breast; well located, good quality scars that are as short as possible; and satisfactory early- and long-term results.MethodsA superior pedicle dermoglandular flap was raised from the lower pole of the breast and transposed to the upper pole. The flap is fixed like a hammock to the pectoral fascia and the wedge-shaped donor defect is closed by approximation and fixation of the medial and lateral pillars with absorbable sutures, thus releasing the tension in the skin suture line.ResultsTwenty-eight patients aged 19 to 58 years underwent the procedure. Adequate shape and projection were achieved in all cases. Partial dehiscence of the suture line developed in 1 patient. The scar quality was excellent, except in 2 cases in which some degree of temporary hypertrophy occurred.ConclusionsIn our experience with this technique, we obtained satisfactory position and shape; good quality, well-placed scars; long-lasting results; and preservation of the patient's ability to breast feed. The technique is simple to perform and is indicated in cases of moderate ptosis.     

Intracutaneous butterfly suture – a horizontal buried interrupted suture for high tension

Background: Tension on surgical wound margins frequently results following the excision of skin lesions such as tumors, naevi or scars. This tension is commonly counteracted with buried, intracutaneous, interrupted sutures of absorbable or non-absorbable material anchored vertically in the corium. Method: A horizontal, buried, intracutaneous suture has now been developed which can be more firmly anchored in the corium. It adapts and everts wound margins nearly as broadly as two vertical sutures, particularly, when the wound edges are cut obliquely with a longer rim of epidermis. When finished, the suture has a butterfly shape, whence its name. It can also be laid as a double suture (double butterfly suture). In creating this sutures, the surgeon changes the customary direction of the needle holder from horizontal to vertical. Materials: Since 1985, this suture has been made with polydioxanon in more than 30000 skin lesion excisions with very good results. In most cases the resulting narrow and smoth scars were narrow and flat in the most cases. During the study, the following suture materials were tested prospectively in 1325 patients: polyglactin 910 (Vicryl^®) (n=390), polytrimethylcarbonate (Maxon^®) (n=95), poliglecaprone 25 (Monocryl^®) (n=175), and (PDS^®) (n=665). Results: The results were unsatisfactory in only 8% of procedures. Polyglactin 910 was accompanied by somewhat more inflammation and scar dehiscence, poliglecaprone 25 by a high rate of scar dehiscence. Polytrimethylcarbonate caused skin reactions in 23% and was discontinued. Suture perforation occurred in 9%. Polydioxanon yielded the best results (p-value of the difference <0.05). Conclusions: The butterfly suture has the advantages of withstanding tension better while everting wound margins and requiring fewer stitches for wound closure. However, it is important that the suture knot be deeply anchored beneath the corium.     

Double Butterfly Suture for High Tension: A Broadly Anchored, Horizontal, Buried Interrupted Suture

BACKGROUND: The excision of skin lesions such as tumors, nevi, and scars frequently results in tension on surgical wound margins. This tension is commonly counteracted surgically with buried, intracutaneous, interrupted sutures of absorbable material which are anchored vertically in the corium. METHOD: The horizontal, buried, intracutaneous butterfly suture has been described elsewhere. It is firmly anchored in the corium, everts wound margins, and adapts them nearly as broadly as two vertical sutures. It can also be laid as a double butterfly suture, as described here, and then has the shape of an "8." This double butterfly suture is equivalent to three vertical sutures because of its broad base in the corium. Moreover, it can cope with much greater tension because of its "pulley" effect. A single double butterfly suture usually suffices for small defects, particularly when the wound edges are cut obliquely with a longer rim of epidermis. MATERIALS: We have laid the traditional butterfly suture in more than 35,000 skin lesion excisions since 1985 and the double butterfly suture alone or as a supplement in more than 10,000 sutures since 1992. We use 2-0 to 6-0 polydioxanone for these procedures, since it has proven in trials to be the best-absorbed suture material. RESULTS: In most cases, the resulting scars were narrow and smooth in spite of high tension. Results were unsatisfactory in only 6.2% of procedures. CONCLUSION: The double butterfly suture described here has the advantages of withstanding tension better while everting wound margins and requiring fewer stitches for wound closure. However, it is important that the suture knot be deeply anchored beneath the corium.     

Periareolar reduction mammoplasty using an inferior dermal pedicle or a central pedicle.

The goals of reduction mammoplasty are to reduce the volume of a breast, to create an aesthetic shape that is stable over time, to maintain blood supply and innervation to the areolar complex, and to make fine limited scars. The present authors used periareolar reduction mammoplasty using an inferior dermal pedicle or a central pedicle. To minimise the scar, periareolar incision was performed. To reduce the volume of breast and to preserve blood supply and innervation to the nipple-areolar complex, a central or an inferior pedicle technique was used. To prevent areolar widening, a purse-string suture was used. A total of 82 breasts in 41 patients with very large breasts were operated on between July 1998 and June 2004. The mean age was 39, and the mean resection amount was 389 g per breast (right 413 g, left 364 g) with an average follow up of 28 months. Most of the patients were satisfied with the fine periareolar scar, the size of the breasts and the sensation of the nipple-areolar complex. The present authors have applied this procedure to all kinds of macromastia. Although the advantages of the periareolar reduction mammoplasty are an inconspicuous limited scar, a preservation of sensation to the nipple-areolar complex and a short operation time, 24 breasts (29%) showed areolar widening. There were persistent periareolar wrinkles in eight breasts (10%) and poor sensation to the nipple-areolar complex in 12 breasts (15%), in which more than 500 g of breast tissue was removed per breast. In conclusion, the periareolar reduction mammoplasty is optimal for patients who require a reduction of less than 500 g per breast. In severe macromastia with or without ptosis, the inverted T-incision is more preferable to periareolar incision, and periareolar incision can be modified by adding a wedge resection of the outer excess in skin flap inferiorly, which results in periareolar and vertical scars below the nipple-areolar complex.     

烧伤后下肢严重瘢痕挛缩的治疗

目的　总结烧伤后下肢严重瘢痕挛缩的临床治疗经验。　方法　视挛缩程度切除 6 0例烧伤后下肢严重瘢痕挛缩患者的、踝部瘢痕组织 ,用牵引、植皮等方法修复挛缩畸形。　结果　本组患者通过持续牵引、植皮后 ,患部活动功能均获得恢复。　结论　严重关节挛缩畸形的患者采用瘢痕切开松解、持续牵引的方法治疗 ,无需行肌腱移植与延长术 ,功能恢复良好。     

Modified round block technique for peripherally located early cancer breast,a technique that fits for all quadrants

Round block technique (RBT) is an oncoplastic technique used in periareolar lesions, particularly in breasts with moderate ptosis or hypertrophy. However, it has some drawbacks including the possibility of late‐onset scar widening, change in areolar shape, and asymmetry of the breasts. Moreover, it is hard to be performed with tumors located in periphery of breast. Modified round block technique (MRBT) is a new technique described to overcome these problems. A circumferential periareolar incision was made around the areola followed by subcutaneous dissection to the entire breast. Wide local excision (WLE) could then easily be performed with a good field of view, the breast tumor was excised with an acceptable macroscopic safety margin, and specimens were marked with orienting sutures for intraoperative frozen section. Remodeling of the breast was done, a close suction drain was placed, and the wound was narrowed with a nonabsorbable purse‐string suture and attached to the NAC with continuous subcuticular absorbable suture. This study was conducted on 144 female patients diagnosed with breast cancer. The median size of the tumor was 2 cm, the majority of the patients (66.7%) had moderate breast size (cup B) and the median distance of the tumor from NAC was 7 cm. Patients' satisfaction was assessed according to Harvard scale and good to excellent results were found in 88.8% of the patients. There were no postoperative changes in areolar shape or position. Complications in the form of hematoma, wound dehiscence, and infection were encountered in 25% of the patients. Modified round block technique is an oncoplastic technique that permits excision of peripherally located breast cancer without excision of periareolar skin and it is suitable for all quadrant tumors. It also avoids the scar which occurs after ordinary breast‐conserving surgery.     

节段设计原则在面部瘢痕外科治疗中的临床应用

目的 探讨节段设计原则在面部瘢痕治疗中的应用。方法 自2012年1月至2014年6月,对38例面部瘢痕患者,在修复面部瘢痕时,以面部张力线、组织器官活动分区,以及面部凹凸曲面为界,将瘢痕分解成多个节段瘢痕,对多节段瘢痕采用手术切除,常规美容外科技术分层减张缝合。于术后3~6个月手术切口愈合稳定后,将留存的节段间点状瘢痕行手术或点阵激光治疗。结果 术后随访1~3年,瘢痕质地、色泽较好,无明显瘢痕挛缩,无明显凹陷畸形。结论 针对面部线型瘢痕,根据面部皮肤张力线对其进行多节段分解,采用手术联合激光等综合手段,可以获得较好的美容效果。     

急诊创伤的早期美容修复

目的探讨全身各处急诊创伤早期美容修复的临床效果。方法对2012年9月至2013年2月因外伤急诊行美容缝合（采用可吸收线行皮下减张缝合,以6-0或7-0尼龙线缝合皮肤）修复创面的3240例患者进行回顾性分析总结。结果本组3240例患者中,17例患者的伤口感染,经3～5d换药后延期愈合,遗留较明显的瘢痕;1例患者属瘢痕体质,出现明显的增生性瘢痕;25例患者I期愈合后出现局部皮下可吸收线头外露．予以消毒后拆除,无并发症发生。本组中3222例患者获得满意效果。结论急诊创伤经彻底清创后采用美容缝合修复创面,能明显减少伤口瘢痕及术后畸形的发生。     

Short Scar Mastopexy with Flap Transposition

A personalized technique using a vertical scar mastopexy is described. The breast tissue is utilized as a transposition flap behind the nipple–areolar complex to increase its projection. The inferior pole of the breast can be developed either as a superiorly pedicled or inferiorly pedicled flap for that purpose and the indication for each version is described. The technique has been successfully utilized in 80 patients with pleasing results. Illustrative cases are presented.     

Areolar vertical approach (AVA) mammaplasty: Lejour's technique evolution

The areolar-vertical approach (AVA) mammaplasty, derived from the Vertical Mammaplasty described by Lejour, offers us the opportunity to achieve good cosmetic results in breast reduction even in larger hypertrophies and makes it available to all patients. In marking, the skin there are certain fixed landmarks, but the final skin design is obtained by dynamic maneuvers (points A, V, and S). They do not follow a rigid pattern. This technique is based on the superior areolar pedicle and parenchymal resection, mostly from the central-lower pole. Shape and final contour rely on breast parechymal sutures and the gathering of excess skin mainly on the vertical portion of the scar. Complications are minimal; changes of sensitivity and function do not differ from those found with classic techniques. Finally, it seems that with this technique, the rate of complications is not related to the areolar-vertical approach, primarily because the vascular blood supply is equal to or more reliable than other superior pedicle techniques. Long-term results, symmetries, aesthetic scars, and patient satisfaction encourage me to continue with this procedure.     

指蹼瘢痕挛缩畸形的修复

目的探讨指蹊瘢痕挛缩畸形的修复方法。方法对指蹊背侧瘢痕，在指侧形成旗状瓣修复。对于掌侧瘢痕，设计矩形皮瓣转移修复。指侧不能直接拉拢缝合，而采用断层或全层皮片移植修复。结果本组68个指蹊，采用旗状瓣修复54个、矩形瓣修复14个，无皮瓣血运障碍，再造指蹊的大小及深度近似正常指蹊，效果满意。结论指蹊背侧瘢痕挛缩采用旗状瓣修复，掌侧瘢痕挛缩采用矩形瓣修复，是治疗指蹊挛缩畸形的较好方法。     

The Crossed Dermal Flaps Technique for Breast Reduction

Background More than100 techniques and variations of breast reduction have been published. In most, the principal differences involve the method of transpositioning the nipple–areola complex and the pattern of skin resection. Skin resection inevitably causes scarring, which has given rise to an ongoing debate over long scar techniques and short scar techniques. The debate would be mute if only the extent of the scar was evaluated: ideally, the shorter the better. However, this limitation of scar extension conditions other elements to be evaluated in the results. On the other hand, there is a great variety of clinical cases in which not only the volume must be considered, but also the degree of ptosis, the quality of the skin, the age, and, most importantly, the wishes of the patients.Objectives The objective of the crossed dermal flaps procedure was to obtain optimum volume, position, and shape of the breast; well-located good-quality scars as short as possible; and early satisfactory and long-lasting results.Methods Between June 1986 and June 2003 136 women underwent this procedure, performed under controlled hypotension (median arterial blood pressure, 60 mmHg). The technique is based on Wise-type skin marking associated with glandular resection in the lower and lateral poles, and transpositioning of the nipple–areola complex with a superior medial dermoglandular pedicle. Two rectangular areas under each cutaneous vertex are delimited, which will correspond with the future dermal flaps. These flaps are crossed, then fixed to the musculoaponeurotic chest wall, and the rest of the wound is sutured by planes in a conventional manner.Results Two patients (1.4%) experienced minimum cutaneous epidermolysis without dehiscence at the union of the vertical and horizontal sutures, which later healed by second intention without interference with the aesthetic result. Three cases (2%) showed partial and superficial necrosis of one of the areolae, but healed during the following 3 weeks without secondary surgery. In three patients (2%), hematomas developed, which were drained in the dressing room with no complications. One patient experienced thickening of the scar. No infections were observed.Conclusions The authors believe the cross dermal flaps technique is safe and applicable to an extensive variety of cases. It is easy to execute and to teach, and therefore, those who are beginning to use inverted T techniques such as that described, can, from the beginning, diminish the incidence of short- and long-term complications such as dehiscence that lead to scarring at the convergence of the flaps and bottoming out of the inferior pole, with the horizontal scar displaced upward and an increase in the distance between the later and the nipple areola complex.     

``Flip-Flap' Mastopexy

The ``flip-flap' mastopexy modifies the McKissock vertical bipedicle design by creating a wide superiorly based flap of breast tissue deep to the vertical bipedicle. Transposition of this flap up and beneath the upper breast, with suture anchoring to the pectoralis fascia at the level of the second rib, restores upper breast fullness, decreases mastopexy-wrecking lower breast bulk, and provides a pleasant forward thrust of the nipple–areolar complex. The ``flip-flap' is effective for improving the long-term aesthetic outcome for both reduction mammaplasty and mastopexies of moderate- to full-sized breasts.     

肿胀法双环巨乳缩小术

目的:探讨能够减少瘢痕的治疗巨乳症及乳房下垂的手术方法。方法:在使用肿胀技术的基础上,经绕乳晕的内、外两个环形切口入路形成真皮帽,结合去除部分脂肪和乳腺组织。结果:手术均Ⅰ期愈合,经6～12个月随访,乳房形状好,瘢痕不明显。结论:双环法巨乳缩小术对于治疗巨乳症及乳房下垂,是一种理想的手术方法。     

Poland’s Syndrome: Different Clinical Presentations and Surgical Reconstructions in 18 Cases

Background The literature reports many variations of Poland’s syndrome. This article describes 18 cases of Poland’s syndrome in different stages of treatment, with variable clinical presentations and reconstructive techniques. Methods This study evaluated 15 females and 3 males, ages 2 to 43 years, for breast deformity, nipple–areolar complex position, pectoralis muscle malformation, thoracic deformities, and the presence of brachysyndactyly. Surgical treatment was performed for 14 patients, individualized for each case. Results For the women, the hypoplastic breast was treated with a latissimus dorsi muscular flap associated with silicone gel implant in five cases. Two other patients still are receiving tissue expansion for a future muscular and prosthetic reconstruction. Prosthetic implants alone were used on the affected side in four cases. The nipple–areolar complex was reconstructed for two patients. Seven women underwent contralateral breast surgery: reduction mammoplasty in three cases, mastopexy in two cases, and prosthetic implants in two cases. The only man who underwent surgery was treated with endoscopic rotation of the latissimus dorsi muscle flap. Conclusions This study demonstrated several breast reconstruction options for patients with Poland’s syndrome, reinforcing the importance of an individualized treatment to achieve complete and adequate rehabilitation.