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Unilateral reduction mammaplasty: sculpturing the breast from the undersurface
P Berrino1, A Galli, M L Rainero
1Department of Plastic Surgery, National Institute for Cancer Research, Genoa, Italy.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|July 1, 1988
Summary
This study introduces a novel unilateral breast reduction technique using minimal incisions to achieve lasting symmetry. The method avoids traditional drawbacks like scarring and preserves breast anatomy and function.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Aesthetic Surgery
Background:
- Traditional unilateral mammaplasty techniques, often using an inverted-T incision, struggle with long-term symmetry due to differential breast changes.
- These methods can result in significant scarring, hinder mammographic evaluation, and offer limited versatility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a modified unilateral mammaplasty technique for correcting breast asymmetries.
- To evaluate the efficacy of this approach in achieving long-lasting symmetry with minimal scarring.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 47 patients with congenital and acquired breast asymmetries underwent unilateral reduction and sculpting.
- The procedure involved a vertical infra-areolar incision, detaching the breast from the pectoralis fascia to access its undersurface.
- Reshaping was achieved through discoid resection and/or subcutaneous tissue removal, with modifications to enhance projection and alter breast axis inclination.
Main Results:
- The technique successfully provided long-lasting symmetry in patients who met selection criteria.
- Minimal residual scarring was observed, and the breast anatomy, function, and vascularization were preserved.
- The method demonstrated versatility in reshaping the breast mound and adjusting its projection and inclination.
Conclusions:
- This modified unilateral mammaplasty technique offers a viable solution for breast asymmetry.
- It achieves durable symmetry with improved aesthetic outcomes and functional preservation, avoiding common complications of traditional methods.