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[Analysis of the complications following the periareolar reduction mammaplasty using polypropylene mesh as suspension
Jia-Ming Sun1, Neng-Qiang Guo, Chong Peng
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China. sunjm1592@sina.com
Objective:
To investigate the cause and the prophylactic measures for the complication following the periareolar reduction mammaplasty using polypropylene mesh as suspension device.
Methods:
From Dec. 1999 to Dec. 2005, 78 patients who underwent periareolar reduction mammaplasty using polypropylene mesh as suspension device were analysed. Among them, 47 cases were followed-up for 6 months to 5 years, and their long-term effect was evaluated.
Results:
Early after operation, complications included seroma (3 cases), infection (3 cases), delayed wound healing (3 cases), and paraesthesia of nipple-areolar complex (1 case). The 47 followed-up patients presented abnormal wave-like skin appearance in superior polar of breast (7 cases), palpable cord-like mammary content in peripheral region of breast (3 cases), widening of periareolar scar and secondary ptosis (2 cases) and paraesthesia of nipple-areolar complex (1 case). All other patients acquired good appearance and felt satisfactory. 2 patients could lactate after operation. 5 patients underwent mammary X-ray radiography after operation. No mesh shadow or calcification was revealed.
Conclusions:
Although polypropylene mesh is a good suspension device in reduction mammaplasty, the long-term complication is relatively high because of the hardness of the tissue. More soft tissue is necessary as alternative device for clinical application.
Insights
Polypropylene mesh used in breast reduction surgery can lead to complications like abnormal skin appearance and scarring. Softer tissues may be a better alternative for suspension devices in mammaplasty.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
Context:
- Periareolar reduction mammaplasty is a surgical procedure to reduce breast size.
- Polypropylene mesh has been utilized as a suspension device in this procedure.
Purpose:
- To investigate the complications associated with using polypropylene mesh in periareolar reduction mammaplasty.
- To explore prophylactic measures and alternative suspension devices.
Summary:
- A study analyzed 78 patients undergoing periareolar reduction mammaplasty with polypropylene mesh.
- Early complications included seroma, infection, and wound healing issues. Long-term follow-up revealed abnormal skin appearance, palpable mammary content, scar widening, and secondary ptosis.
- While the mesh showed no radiologic abnormalities, its hardness contributed to a relatively high rate of long-term complications.
Impact:
- Highlights the potential for long-term complications with polypropylene mesh in reduction mammaplasty.
- Suggests the need for softer tissue alternatives for improved clinical outcomes.
- Informs surgical choices regarding suspension devices in breast reduction procedures.
