Different techniques of reduction mammaplasty comparing clinical and esthetic complications with patient satisfaction

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the use of one singleton and safe surgical procedure could be replaced by modified procedures adapted to the individual pathology without increase of complications rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 225 consecutive reduction mammaplasties were evaluated retrospectively, comparing the inferior central pedicle (n = 89) to the superior central pedicle (n = 12), the superior medial pedicle (n = 13), the central gland pedicle (n = 17) and the free areola nipple transplantation (n = 34). We checked for surgical and aesthetic complications of different techniques and satisfaction of the patients by questionnaire and personal interview. RESULTS: There was no difference in the incidence of different complications, satisfaction of the patients was comparable. The most frequent perioperative complication was hematoma formation, long-term problems were scar formations. CONCLUSIONS: As different techniques of reduction mammaplasties are mainly variations of surgical procedures it seems to be possible to adapt the procedure to the individual situation. With thorough indication and technique this approach does not increase complication rates.