Superolateral Pedicle Breast Reduction for Patients with Medially Positioned Nipple-Areola Complexes

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Surgical Techniques
• Breast Reduction

Background:

• The superolateral pedicle (SLP) technique is utilized in breast reduction (BR) when the nipple-areola complex's medial position hinders standard pedicle movement.
• This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the SLP technique in BR procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety and efficacy of the superolateral pedicle (SLP) technique in breast reduction (BR).
• To compare complication rates and resection weights between SLP and superomedial pedicle (SMP) techniques.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 84 patients (164 breasts) undergoing BR between September 2022 and January 2024.
• Data collected included demographics, comorbidities, operative details, and complications for both SLP and SMP techniques.
• Propensity score matching was employed to compare complication rates between the two techniques.

Main Results:

• 135 breasts used the superomedial pedicle (SMP) and 29 used the superolateral pedicle (SLP) technique.
• Complication rates were comparable between SLP (13.8%) and SMP (13.3%) groups, with no significant difference after propensity score matching (P = 0.713).
• Median resection weights were similar between SLP (706.0 g) and SMP (841.0 g) cohorts (P = 0.126), and no reoperations occurred in the SLP group.

Conclusions:

• The superolateral pedicle (SLP) technique is a safe and effective method for breast reduction (BR).
• Complication rates and resection weights are comparable to the superomedial pedicle (SMP) technique.
• SLP offers a viable alternative to traditional pedicle techniques in breast reduction surgery.