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Optimizing Surgical Outcomes: A Case Series on BREAST-V for Treating Breast Asymmetries
José Renato Nahlous Ferreira Leite1, Mayara Mytzi de Aquino Silva2, Paulo Afonso Monteiro Pacheco Guimarães2
1Postgraduate Program in Translational Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), Rua Botucatu, 740-2º andar, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, Brazil.
Background:
Breast asymmetry occurs when there is a discrepancy in the shape, volume, or positioning of the breasts. Various factors, including unequal development of breast buds, endocrine disorders, chest wall deformities, and surgical or posttraumatic sequelae, can contribute to this condition. Although breast asymmetry is common, clinically severe cases are rare and often require surgical correction because of potential postural, aesthetic, and psychological issues. Accurate assessment of the breast volume is crucial for planning and evaluating surgical interventions.
Methods:
This prospective, non-randomized, interventional study was conducted between 2019 and 2024 at the Breast Reconstruction Section of the Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil. Forty patients with breast asymmetry were evaluated using the BREAST-V, which calculates the breast volume based on three linear measurements. Patients underwent various surgical procedures, including augmentation, reduction mammoplasty, and mastopexy, tailored to their specific type of asymmetry. Preoperative and postoperative breast volumes were compared to assess the effectiveness of surgical correction RESULTS: The study included 40 participants, with an average age of 25.2 years. The mean preoperative breast volumes were 469.6 g (right) and 448.8 g (left). The postoperative volumes decreased to 338.3 g (right) and 331.1 g (left), showing an average reduction in asymmetry of 72.9%. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for pre-treatment asymmetry was 65.4 g.
Conclusion:
The BREAST-V tool has significant potential for the objective assessment of breast asymmetry. Reliable volumetric measurements can aid in surgical planning and postoperative evaluation, ultimately enhancing the clinical outcomes.
Level Of Evidence Iv:
This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
