Summary
Background
The superomedial pedicle reduction mammaplasty has been noted in the literature to
provide superior aesthetic results and longevity as well as shorter operative times.
However, the inferior pedicle continues to be the most commonly utilized technique
in the United States. There is a lack of large-volume outcome studies examining how
the superomedial pedicle technique compares against more established reduction methods.
Methods
A retrospective review of 938 reduction mammaplasties was performed at a single institution
over a 10-year period. A literature review of superomedial and inferior pedicle complication
rates were performed. Study variables were compared against overall mean complication
rates for the two techniques. Logistic regression, paired student T-Tests, and Chi-square
analyses were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios and to compare continuous and
categorical variables.
Results
Mean reduction weight was 730 g per breast, ranging from 100 to 4700 g. Overall complication
rate was 16%, of which 10% were minor complications related to delayed wound healing.
No cases of skin flap necrosis occurred. Increased complications were highly correlated
with a BMI > 30, breast reduction weights > 831 g, and sternal notch to nipple distances > 35.5 cm.
Conclusions
The superomedial pedicle reduction mammaplasty technique is safe and reliable with
a complication rate lower than the inferior pedicle technique. Based on our findings
we propose that residents should be exposed to this method of reduction mammaplasty
as part of a compilation of techniques learned in residency and that practicing surgeons
would benefit from becoming familiar with its applications.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 13, 2018
Accepted:
December 2,
2018
Received in revised form:
November 17,
2018
Received:
March 5,
2017
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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- Reduction mammaplasty with superomedial pedicle technique: A literature review and retrospective analysis of 938 consecutive breast reductionsJournal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic SurgeryVol. 72Issue 7
