Extended Superior Dermoglandular Pedicle Approach: A Versatile Technique for a Variety of Breast Deformities

Abstract

Background: Although the selected pedicle is important in how it maintains nipple viability and is of equal importance, it can be utilized with the remaining breast tissue to reshape the breast mound. It is ideally used as an extended pedicle, as it allows us to use the tissue in the lower pole of the breast. The purpose of this article was to evaluate additional indications and outcomes using the extended superior pedicle approach along with conventional techniques. Methods: This is a retrospective study over 5 years of using an extended superior dermoglandular pedicle approach for managing a variety of breast deformities. Postoperative complications, along with patient and surgeon satisfaction, were assessed. Results: All 68 patients expressed that the results were either excellent (85.3%) or very good (14.7%) according to the evaluation parameters. Among the 68 patients, there were 62 very good outcomes (91.2%) and six good outcomes (8.8%) according to surgeon evaluation. Only one reduction experienced a superficial partial loss, which was improved with no intervention. There was minor asymmetry in three patients (4.4%), which was not experienced by the patients, and poor scar quality in one dark-skinned patent. Conclusions: The author was able to expand the utility of extended superior pedicle for various breast deformities, such as reduction mammoplasty; mastopexy; augmentation mastopexy, either autoaugmentation or prosthetic; tuberous breast; after lumpectomy resection; and even in secondary breast deformities with reproducible and reliable outcomes across a wide patient population.