A 30-year experience with vertical mammaplasty

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Aesthetic Surgery

Background:

• The evolution of breast reduction techniques.
• Challenges in achieving scarless submammary fold outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a refined vertical mammaplasty technique.
• To demonstrate the long-term safety and efficacy of scarless submammary fold breast reduction.

Main Methods:

• Description of the vertical mammaplasty technique, including central wedge resection and upper areolar pedicle.
• Modification of the technique to incorporate a short horizontal scar, later eliminated.
• Final modification to ensure the vertical scar remains above the inframammary fold.

Main Results:

• Initial technique sometimes resulted in visible scars below the inframammary fold in large breasts.
• Subsequent modifications successfully repositioned the scar.
• A personal series of 710 patients (1350 breasts) showed few complications and long-lasting results.

Conclusions:

• Vertical mammaplasty without a submammary scar is a safe and effective procedure.
• The technique provides durable aesthetic outcomes for breast reduction and mastopexy.
• The evolution of the technique addresses anatomical variations for optimal results.