Subjective comparison of six different reduction mammoplasty procedures

There are an increasing number of young patients seeking an ideal reduction mammoplasty. The ideal procedure must obtain a youthful-looking result, minimal scarring, preservation of lactation, erotic sensitivity, and no postoperative complications. We have done a subjective comparison of six different reduction mammoplasty procedures by using a mail questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised three categories: (I) alleviating preoperative complaints, (II) postoperative appearance, and (III) postoperative complications. In category I, greater than 95% of all preoperative complaints were alleviated in all groups of patients. In category II, McKissock's and Robbins' procedures scored the best for nipple-areola position, with highest number of patients (40.5%) in the free nipple group appreciating the overall breast symmetry. In category III, the modified Regnault group (H/B) had the lowest overall complication rate. Only 33% of the patients in H/B group experienced failure to lactate and 26% experienced loss of erotic nipple sensation for longer than six months. In our study, we show that the H/B mammoplasty procedure was rated best overall and was the best compared with the concept of an "ideal" procedure.