Published in:
01-02-2020 | Breast Augmentation | Original Paper
Perinipple mammaplasty
Published in: European Journal of Plastic Surgery | Issue 1/2020
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Background
Recent publications in plastic breast surgery reinforce the search for surgery with short scars and long-lasting shape maintenance.
Methods
From February 2005 to December 2017, 32 patients underwent breast surgery due to different problems by a perinipple approach exclusively or associated to a vertical or “inverted T” scar, in a total of 62 procedures (2 unilateral). Taking the nipple as a central point, an intra-areolar ring of the skin is de-epithelialized creating an access to a breast implant or just to reduce the areolar diameter in one case. A vertical incision was associated to perform mastopexies and four cases of mastectomy. After closure of the incisions, the natural skin–areola transition was preserved.
Results
The patients pointed out the preservation of the natural skin–areola transition as a major advantage. Six implanted breasts by an exclusive perinipple approach (N = 38) presented scar depigmentation and enlargement (15.7%). One case of mastopexy and implant had a revisional surgery secondary to inferior pole ptosis. Three patients became pregnant and the breastfeed function was preserved. In the cases of the exclusive perinipple approach, the maximum areolar diameter achieved reduction was about 20 to 25% of the original diameter. Neither tissue necrosis nor sensitivity impairment was noticed.
Conclusions
The technique may be incorporated to the therapeutical armamentarium in specially select cases of plastic breast surgery.
Level of evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.