ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Transaxillary and periareolar incision in augmentation mammaplasty has risks of injury to branches of intercostal nerves that lead to sensory loss of upper inner arm and nipple. The aim of study was to compare the incidence of sensory loss between two groups according to incision method. METHODS: One hundred seventy one cases that received transaxillary or periareolar subpectoral breast augmentation at the M.D. Clinic from Jan. 2006 to Jul. 2007 were evaluated for sensory loss of upper inner arm and nipple. The cases were divided into transaxillary (118 cases, 69%) and periareolar group (53 cases, 31%). The type of sensory loss was divided into temporary and permanent. The postoperative follow-up periods were from 7 to 22 months (mean: 8.5 months). RESULTS: In cases of upper inner arm, results were as follows; temporary sensory loss in 9 cases (7.6%) and permanent in 2 cases (1.7%) in the transaxillary incision group and, temporary sensory loss in 1 case (1.9%) and no permanent sensory loss in the periareolar incision group. There is no statistical difference between the two groups for permanent sensory loss (P=0.340). In cases of nipples, results were as follows; temporary sensory loss in 26 cases (22%) and permanent sensory loss in 12 cases (10.2%) in the transaxillary incision group, and temporary sensory loss in 12 cases (10.2%) and permanent sensory loss in 3 cases (5.7%) in the periareolar incision group. There was no statistical difference between two groups (P=0.335). CONCLUSION: There was no statistical difference in sensory loss of upper arm and nipple between transaxillary and periareolar approach after subpectoral augmentation mammaplasty.