Nipple sensitivity and lactation in two methods of breast reduction

Two methods of breast reduction were performed between 1981 and 1986. One was wedge resection of the breast in which nipple and gland were disconnected. The other was the tangential and circumferential breast reduction, in which the nipple remained in continuity with the gland. For each method, there were 21 patients. The mean follow-up was 5 years and 9 months. In both groups, 8 patients had 11 children, but only the tangential reduction patients lactated. They also had better subjective nipple sensitivity whereas objectively the differences were rather small.