Medial pedicle reduction mammaplasty for severe mammary hypertrophy

Current options in reduction mammaplasty for severe mammary hypertrophy inc lude amputation with free-nipple graft as well as the inferior pedicle and bipedicle techniques. Complications of these procedures include nipple-areo la necrosis, insensitivity, and hypopigmentation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether medial pedicle reduction mammaplasty can minimize these complications. Twenty-three patients with severe mammary hypertrophy were studied. The medial pedicle successfully transposed the nipple-areola complex in 44 of 45 breasts (98 percent). Mean change in nipple position w as 17.1 cm, and mean weight of tissue removed was 1604 g per breast. Nipple -areola sensation was retained in 43 of 44 breasts (98 percent) using a med ial pedicle. Hypopigmentation was not observed, and central breast projecti on was restored in all patients. This study has demonstrated that medial pe dicle reduction mammaplasty is a safe and reliable technique and should be given primary consideration in cases of severe mammary hypertrophy.