[Measuring the sensitivity before and following breast reduction-plasty in 2 competitive surgical procedures]

All non-operated breasts have an irregular pattern of sensibility. The areola is distinctly more sensitive than its periphery; the nipple has a very low grade of sensitivity. The postoperative sensitivity increases for about 2 years without reaching the former level. The loss of sensitivity is unrelated to the method of operation (Strömberg, Pitanguy). The loss of sensitivity is proportional to the reduction of tissue. Most important is to keep the ability for breast-feeding (sympathetic innervation by the arterior branch of the 4th ramus cutaneous lateralis).