The S-Flap Modification: A Short-Scar Reduction Mammaplasty

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Aesthetic Surgery
• Breast Surgery

Background:

• Short-scar reduction mammaplasty techniques have limitations in managing lower-pole skin excess.
• The S-scar modification aims to combine short-scar benefits with improved lower-pole contour.
• This study evaluates the S-scar technique against vertical and J-scar methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of the S-scar modification with vertical and J-scar techniques in reduction mammaplasty.
• To assess patient outcomes and aesthetic results, particularly lower-pole stability.
• To evaluate nipple-to-inframammary fold (Ni-IMF) distance changes and patient satisfaction scores.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 147 consecutive reduction mammaplasty cases (2016-2022).
• 58 patients with at least one year follow-up completed the Breast-Q questionnaire.
• Patients were categorized into vertical-scar, J-scar, and S-scar groups for comparative analysis.

Main Results:

• The S-scar group exhibited significantly higher mean resection weight and longer preoperative Ni-IMF distance.
• Long-term improvement in Ni-IMF distance was significantly greater in the S-scar group (21.83%) compared to J (12.44%) and V (13.01%) groups.
• Breast-Q scores showed no significant differences, except for higher general outcome and information criteria in the S-scar group.

Conclusions:

• The S-flap modification effectively maintains short-scar advantages while enhancing lower-pole stability and patient-reported outcomes.
• The S-scar technique demonstrates potential for superior aesthetic results and patient satisfaction in reduction mammaplasty.
• Further studies with longer follow-up periods and larger patient cohorts are warranted to confirm these findings.