Revisiting breast masses with the plastic surgeon: suggestions for biopsy and resection

Between 250,000 and 500,000 breast mass biopsies are performed each year. This is a common procedure of the breast that should be planned such that maximum treatment is achieved with minimal disfigurement and scarring. Plastic surgery techniques must be used in the choice of biopsy site and planned excision and can result in an improved cosmetic result for the patient. Subareolar masses are resected using a radial elliptical incision. Lateral and medial masses are resected using the Wise pattern reduction mammaplasty whereas the vertical mammaplasty is used for lesions of the central inferior breast and inframammary fold. Awareness of these basic reconstructive principles by the general surgeon can minimize disfigurement and facilitate future reconstruction by the plastic surgeon so that both cure and cosmesis can be achieved.