How Does Reduction Mammaplasty Surgical Technique Impact Clinical, Aesthetic, and Patient-Reported Outcomes?

Abstract

Background A comprehensive comparison of surgical, aesthetic, and quality of life outcomes by reduction mammaplasty technique does not exist. We sought to ascertain the effect of technique on clinical, aesthetic, and patient-reported outcomes. Methods Patients with symptomatic macromastia undergoing a superomedial or inferior pedicle reduction mammoplasty by a single surgeon were identified. BREAST-Q surveys were administered. Postoperative breast aesthetics were assessed in 50 matched-patients. Patient characteristics, complications, quality of life, and aesthetic scores were analyzed. Results Overall, 101 patients underwent reductions; 60.3% had a superomedial pedicle. Superomedial pedicle patients were more likely to have grade 3 ptosis (P < 0.01) and had significantly shorter procedure time (P < 0.01). Only the inferior pedicle technique resulted in wound dehiscence (P = 0.03) and reoperations from complications (P < 0.01). Those who underwent an inferior pedicle reduction were 4.3 times more likely to experience a postoperative complication (P = 0.03). No differences in quality of life existed between cohorts (P > 0.05). Superomedial pedicle patients received significantly better scarring scores (P = 0.03). Conclusions The superomedial pedicle reduction mammoplasty technique provides clinical and aesthetic benefits compared with the inferior pedicle technique.