Reduction mammoplasty by the inferior dermoglandular pedicle technique.

ABSTRACT

Since 1989, at our department, the inferior dermoglandular pedicle breast reduction had been performed in 22 patients. Twenty patients had macromastia and ptosis, one required this operation for opposite breast reduction during immediate breast reconstruction for cancer, one had asymmetrical breasts. The patient ages ranged from 18 to 61 years with a median of 28 year. Half of the patient were in the age between 18-23 years, all had virginal macromastia. This technique reserved the inferior dermoglandular portion of breast with nipple - areola complex from the inframammary crease to 1-2 cm. above the nipple - areola. The rest of breast parenchyma was removed in a monobloc fashion. The resected breast tissues ranged from 250 gm. To 850 gm. On each side. There was no postoperative nipple necrosis or impairment of nipple sensation and projection. One had partial dermal necrosis on both ends of the inverted T scar which required debridement and secondary suture. Two developed hypertrophic scar that needed revision after one year follow-up. The advantages of the inferior pedicle technique is that 1) there is a good blood supply to the nipple - areola, 2) the nerve supply is preserved and the duct integrity is retained.