Reduction mammoplasties and mastopexies performed at HC-UNICAMP: comparative analysis between two techniques

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Several reduction mammoplasty and mastopexy techniques are described in the literature, with the aim of reconstituting the upper pole, offering better projection, and providing adequate treatment for breast ptosis. However, particular attention should be devoted to the safety of the technique, with maintenance of vascularization, tissue innervation, and the capability of breastfeeding. Female patients operated on with the inferior pedicle flap technique were compared with those operated on with purse-string circular suturing.

Methods:

Eighty-five patients who had undergone reduction mammoplasty or mastopexy without implants, between January 2011 and December 2012 at Unicamp’s Clinical Hospital, were evaluated. Thirty-one patients who only underwent reduction mammoplasty by Pitanguy’s technique (without the use of flaps or circular sutures) were excluded. Of the remaining 54 patients, five were subsequently excluded for not attending medical appointments or failure to have postoperative ultrasonography. A group of 16 patients who had undergone circular suturing and a group of 33 operated on by the inferior pedicle technique were considered.

Results:

Demographic data were similar for both groups. A higher number of minor complications and unsatisfactory results were observed in the group that underwent the inferior pedicle technique, who also had a higher rate of relevant post-operative ultrasonography events.

Conclusion:

The circular suturing technique resulted in a high satisfaction rate, lower number of complications, and longer lasting results than the inferior pedicle technique, during the period analyzed in this study.

Keywords:
Reduction mammoplasty; Mastopexy; Breast reduction; Inferior pedicle flap; Continuous circular suture; Cosmetic surgery