Craniomedial Pedicled Mammaplasty Based on Würinger’s Horizontal Septum

• Published in: Aesthetic plastic surgery 2010-08, Vol.34 (4), p.494-501
• Main Authors: Ryssel, H., Germann, G., Reichenberger, R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Breast - anatomy & histology; Breast - blood supply; Female; Humans; Mammaplasty - adverse effects; Mammaplasty - methods; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Nipples - blood supply; Nipples - innervation; Original Article; Otorhinolaryngology; Plastic Surgery
• ISSN: 0364-216X; 1432-5241
• DOI: 10.1007/s00266-010-9487-9

Background During 30 months, 40 “septum-based” mammaplasties with a craniomedial pedicle were performed. This report aims to demonstrate the anatomic basics of the horizontal septum and the authors’ experience with the septum-based mammaplasty technique. Methods A series of 40 consecutive patients underwent a “septum-based” mammaplasty. This technique uses a medial pedicle based on Würinger`s horizontal septum, which is the main plain for the neural and vascular supply of the nipple–areolar complex (NAC). Results The mean nipple-to-sternal-notch distance was 32 cm (range, 24–43 cm). The mean resection weight was 648 g (range, 484–1,320 g), and the mean nipple elevation was 9.5 cm (range, 5–18 cm). There were no hematomas and no partial or complete NAC necroses. Minimal wound dehiscence at the T-junction was present in three cases (7.5%). The pre- and postoperative NAC sensibilities were comparable in all the patients. Conclusion Based on Würinger`s horizontal septum, a safe and well-vascularized mammaplasty is possible even with large resection weights and long nipple–areola distances, and NAC sensibility can be preserved. The reported technique combining excellent pedicle perfusion with a wide variety of breast shaping proved to be safe.