The Outcome of Reduction Mammoplasty for Gigantomastia Using Inferior Pedicle: Case Series

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Gigantomastia, characterized by excessive breast enlargement, often necessitates surgical intervention.
• Traditional surgical reduction for gigantomastia commonly involves breast amputation with nipple-areolar grafting.
• Pedicle-based breast reduction techniques are less frequently employed for this condition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of using an inferior-based pedicle for gigantomastia reduction.
• To report surgical experience with this specific technique in managing gigantomastia.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patients undergoing reduction mammoplasty for gigantomastia between 2004 and 2023.
• Data collected included patient demographics, presenting symptoms, surgical details (pedicle length, resection weight), and surgical outcomes.
• Analysis of complications such as wound healing, flap necrosis, and nipple-areolar complex (NAC) viability.

Main Results:

• Fifteen patients with gigantomastia underwent surgery, with ages ranging from 16 to 50 years (mean 29.13 years).
• Excised tissue weight averaged 4.71 kg (range 2.2-10 kg); mean BMI was 30.70 kg/M².
• Complications included delayed wound healing (40%), partial wound dehiscence (13%), and NAC loss in 14% of patients.

Conclusions:

• Inferior pedicle breast reduction can achieve favorable outcomes in gigantomastia cases.
• Careful design of a broad-based inferior pedicle is crucial for ensuring nipple-areolar complex (NAC) survival.
• This technique offers a viable alternative to amputation for gigantomastia reduction.