Application of liposuction technique assisted superomedial pedicle with vertical incision in reduction mammaplasty

Objective To explore the effectiveness of liposuction technique assisted superomedial pedicle with a vertical incision in reduction mammaplasty. Methods Between March 2014 and March 2019, 65 patients (127 sides) with breast hypertrophy had undergone breast reduction by using liposuction technique assisted superomedial pedicle with a vertical incision. The patients were 21 to 58 years old, with an average of 42.2 years. Body mass index ranged from 18.8 to 26.5 kg/m 2, with an average of 21.3 kg/m 2. Among them, 62 cases were bilateral operations and 3 cases were unilateral operation. The degree of mastoptosis was rated as degreeⅡ in 73 sides and degree Ⅲ in 54 sides according to the Regnault criteria. Results The unilateral breast removed 432 g on average (range, 228-932 g); the distance of nipple upward was 4.5-9.5 cm (mean, 6.5 cm); the volume of unilateral liposuction was 50-380 mL (mean, 148 mL). There were 2 sides (1.58%) of unilateral intramammary hematomas after operation, 4 sides (3.15%) of bilateral breast vertical incisions slightly split, and 1 side (0.79%) of the nipple-areola epidermis necrosis. All patients were followed up 6 months to 5 years, with an average of 18 months. During the follow-up, there was no evident re-dropping of the breast and no enlargement of the areola. No patient underwent scar excision. At last follow-up, the effectiveness was evaluated by the surgeons. There were 52 cases with very satisfactory, 10 cases with satisfactory, and 3 cases with unsatisfactory for the breast shape and symmetry. There were 51 cases with very satisfactory, 11 cases with satisfactory, and 3 cases with unsatisfactory for the nipple position and areola diameter. The incision scar was obvious in 25 cases and was not obvious in 40 cases. The results of self-assessment showed very satisfactory for the breast shape in 48 cases, satisfactory in 12 cases, and unsatisfactory in 5 cases; very satisfactory for the incision scar in 40 cases, satisfactory in 17 cases, and unsatisfactory in 8 cases. Overall evaluation of the patient was very satisfactory in 52 cases, satisfactory in 7 cases, and unsatisfactory in 6 cases. Conclusion The liposuction technique assisted superomedial pedicle with a vertical incision in reduction mammaplasty is a safe and reliable surgical method with a satisfactory result.