Breast reduction scars: a prospective survey of patient preferences

Studies have shown that scarring is a primary reason for patient dissatisfaction with reduction mammaplasty.

The authors prospectively evaluated patient preferences for the 3 most common breast reduction scar patterns: horizontal, vertical, and Wise.

Sixty-six patients were recruited for the study before receiving their reduction mammaplasty consultation. Each patient was shown line drawings and postoperative photographs of the 3 breast reduction techniques and scored the scars on a modified 10-point Likert scale (1 = unacceptable; 10 = acceptable). The survey responses had no impact on the patients' medical care. A nonparametric Friedman test was used to compare the mean scores, and univariate generalized linear regression analysis was performed to adjust for confounding factors. Post hoc analysis was performed using the Bonferroni method. Significance was set at P < .001.

Sixty patients completed the study. The mean preference ranking was significantly higher for the horizontal scar pattern versus vertical and Wise (P < .001). The mean score difference between the horizontal and Wise patterns was 2.982. The mean difference between the horizontal and vertical patterns was 2.27. There was no significant difference in preference between the vertical and Wise patterns. Linear regression analysis showed that age, body mass index, and torso/bra size had no significant effect on preference.

To our knowledge, this is the first study designed to prospectively evaluate patient preferences regarding postoperative scars. Results indicate that the horizontal technique is preferable with respect to scar placement.