Semicircular Horizontal Approach in Breast Reduction: Clinical Experience in 38 Cases

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Traditional breast reduction methods like Wise-pattern and vertical scar techniques often result in prominent, aesthetically displeasing scars.
• A semicircular horizontal approach offers an alternative, minimizing vertical scarring in the mid-breast and allowing transverse scars to be concealed within the inframammary fold.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the experiences and outcomes of semicircular horizontal breast reductions performed by a single surgeon.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of this specific breast reduction technique.

Main Methods:

• A superiorly based semicircular incision was utilized in 38 cases between 1996 and 2013.
• The upper skin paddle was advanced to the inframammary fold, with the nipple-areola complex repositioned through a keyhole incision.

Main Results:

• Average breast reduction was 584 g per breast, with an average decrease of 1.7 bra cup sizes.
• Significant reduction in sternal notch to nipple distance (average 13 cm).
• High patient satisfaction with minimal scarring and no major complications like flap necrosis or infection; one minor hematoma resolved spontaneously.

Conclusions:

• The semicircular horizontal breast reduction technique is straightforward and easily learned.
• It provides a safe, effective, and predictable method for managing mammary hypertrophy with favorable aesthetic outcomes.