Breast reduction with inferior pedicle fascial suspension

• Published in: Aesthetic plastic surgery 2005-12, Vol.29 (6), p.532-537
• Main Author: Widgerow, Alan D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Breasts; Fasciotomy; Humans; Mammaplasty - methods; Surgery; Surgical Flaps
• ISSN: 0364-216X; 1432-5241
• DOI: 10.1007/s00266-004-0119-0

The ultimate aim of breast reduction surgery is to reduce breast tissue with long-term maintenance of good breast shape. A technique using interwoven fascial flap suspension of the inferior pedicle through the pectoralis muscle and fascia is described. For this study, 25 patients were followed for 1 year after surgery. The vertical length of the breast between the lower midline of the areola and the new inframammary fold was measured 10 days after surgery and compared with a follow-up measurement 1 year later. These measurements were expressed as a ratio and compared with visual impressions. A ratio of more than 1.3 or a 2-cm difference in length or more was considered representative of breast "bottoming out." This was the case with two patients, both of whom had put on substantial weight after the procedure. The author contends that a consistently reliable technique that maintains good breast shape with more extensive scarring is preferable to a technique that occasionally "gets it right" with less scarring. Good scar management and variations in technique such as the fascial flap suspension described in this report have been of considerable benefit to the author's patients undergoing breast reduction surgery.