Over 10 Years' Follow-Up Experience after Inverted-T Superior Pedicle Breast Reduction with the Modified Ribeiro Flap

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Aesthetic Surgery
• Breast Surgery

Background:

• Macromastia treatment aims for aesthetic outcomes and volume reduction.
• Long-term stability of breast reduction results remains a concern.
• Previous studies on the superior pedicle T-inverted technique with inferior dermal flap reported outcomes up to 5 years.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term outcomes (over 10 years) of superior pedicle T-inverted breast reduction with an inferiorly based dermal flap.
• To identify intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing ptosis recurrence and patient satisfaction.
• To assess the durability of aesthetic results and breast volume reduction.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 70 patients underwent a long-term follow-up consultation (>10 years post-operation).
• Physical measurements (breast distances, skin distension test) and BREAST-Q scores were collected and compared to preoperative data.
• Statistical analysis was performed to correlate patient factors with outcomes.

Main Results:

• Mean follow-up was 13 years (range 10-18 years).
• Smoking was significantly correlated with increased inferior pole elongation and skin distension (p=0.031, p=0.002).
• Older age correlated with higher BREAST-Q scores; smoking patients showed greater variation in breast measurements over time.

Conclusions:

• The superior pedicle T-inverted breast reduction technique offers reliable and enduring results beyond 10 years.
• Intrinsic (age) and extrinsic (smoking) factors can influence long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction.
• This versatile procedure demonstrates long-term efficacy in managing macromastia.