Horizontal pillar technique: A single pedicle septum-based approach in reduction mammaplasty with a twist.

Breast reduction surgery has proven to be a successful treatment for various conditions such as postural disorders, anxiety, dermatological problems, and body image disorders, and is tailored to accommodate each patient's needs and anatomical variations. The author presents a modified approach for reduction mammaplasty using a septum-based superomedial pedicled nipple-areola complex (NAC) flap combined with horizontal dermoglandular pillars. This adjustment enhances desired breast projection, potentially eliminating the need for alternative pedicles in most cases. The limitations and disadvantages of this new technique are discussed. Between July 2015 and July 2021, 85 patients underwent surgery using the horizontal pillar reduction mammaplasty. Clinical data obtained during follow-up visits were recorded. Patients were asked to answer the local version of the Breast-Q, version 2.0, reduction module postoperative scale questionnaire to evaluate breast shape contentment and patient satisfaction at the 1-year follow-up. Necrosis of the NAC was not observed in any patient. The most common complaints in the early postoperative period were pain along the inframammary fold and swelling that extended into the axillary region. The mean values and standard deviations of the postoperative Breast-Q scores were calculated. The postoperative satisfaction with breasts scale mean value was 84.11 ± 12.86, and the postoperative satisfaction with outcomes scale mean value was 81.08 ± 9.97. The horizontal pillar reduction mammaplasty technique is safe, reliable, and easy to perform in breast reduction. Although the initial findings are encouraging, future anatomical and clinical studies are necessary to fully explore this modified technique's functional limitations and long-term outcomes.

Orbital Exenteration Reconstruction for Medically Complex Patients: Bilaminate Dermal Substitute as an Alternative to Major Surgery.

Reconstructive strategies after orbital exenteration range from the use of skin grafts to tissue flaps, depending on the classification of the defect, patient's goals, and tolerance for surgery. We present a case of a 68-year-old, medically complex patient who underwent orbital exenteration, radiation therapy, and reconstruction with a bilaminate dermal substitute. Despite the placement in an irradiated area without periosteum, the bilaminate dermal substitute graft demonstrated acceptable integration and provided an adequate base for subsequent split thickness skin grafting, sparing a medically fragile patient from a morbid operation. This case highlights the advantages of a less invasive reconstructive modality when managing a patient with multiple comorbidities and a significant chance of cancer recurrence.

Oncoplastic reconstruction of central lumpectomy defects using the medial pillar island flap.

PURPOSE: This report presents the medial pillar island flap technique of oncoplastic breast reconstruction of central defects that involve the nipple-areola complex. METHODS: The procedure was performed in patients who presented with inferior pole redundancy using a vertical mammaplasty pattern. The flap was designed utilizing the territory of the lower pole as an island flap pedicled by the internal mammary artery perforators surrounded by the soft tissue of the medial pillar. RESULTS: Eight patients underwent the procedure with a mean age of 57.6 years. Median breast cup size was D (range: from C to DDD). The mean body mass index was 37.3 kg/m2 (range: from 32.1 to 41.5). The size of the defect ranged from 64 to 150 cm3 (mean, 97.2). Concomitant opposite breast vertical reduction was performed in 6 cases. Flap survival was uneventful. Nipple reconstruction was performed 6 months after radiation treatment in 4 patients. No major complications were encountered. Two patients developed minor wound breakdown after nipple reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The medial pillar island flap is presented as a safe and reliable option for the reconstruction of central partial mastectomy defects in patients with macromastia or breast ptosis. Internal mammary system provides predictable and robust flap viability while complete separation from the inframammary fold allows for unrestricted mobility. The procedure is designed with vertical scar mammaplasty, which results in a smooth contour to the lower pole. The flap allows for nipple reconstruction using well-vascularized skin paddle. The technique is offered as an alternative oncoplasty option for neoareolar reconstruction.

Sternalis is muscle: An anatomic variation and its clinical implications.

This report presents a case description of sternalis muscle which is an accessory muscle of anterior thoracic wall. A 56-year-old woman underwent mastectomy for breast cancer along with free flap reconstruction, revealing the presence of aberrant sternalis muscle. It was divided transversely during partial rib resection to expose internal mammary vessels. The case proceeded with successful flap transfer. Clinical implications of this anatomic variation is discussed. The authors conclude that plastic surgeons should be aware of this muscular anomaly.

Microsurgical Replantation of Completely Avulsed Scalp Segment Recovered From Under Snow.

Complete scalp avulsion is a devastating injury resulting in permanent disfigurement. Replantation is the procedure of choice whenever possible. This report describes a successful case of microsurgical reattachment of complete scalp avulsion of temporoparietal segment in a 72-year-old female patient after her hair was tangled in the hoof crack of a horse when the animal slipped on ice and fell on a cold New England night. The amputated segment could be recovered from under snow only after 4 hours following the incident. The procedure involved microvascular anastomoses of superficial temporal artery and vein. The recovery was uneventful, with complete survival of the replant, including the severely crushed segment. There was no need for any transfusion. Long term follow up revealed excellent aesthetic outcome with complete hair growth. This report presents a case experience of successful scalp replantation even after the amputated part was exposed to freezing conditions for 4 hours.

The effects of human amniotic membrane on silicone related capsule formation in rats.

Silicone breast implants are commonly used materials in plastic surgery for breast augmentation and reconstruction and the most severe complication of silicone implants are capsule contraction which occurs in 40% of patients. The aim of our study is to evaluate how the amniotic membrane alters the capsule formation effects of silicone 24 wistar rats were used in the study. We placed a bare silicone block into the left side (Subgroup A) and single layer amniotic membrane coated silicone block into the right side (Subgroup B) of the rats back. The rats were then separated into three groups and in group 1 rats were euthanized after 3 weeks, in group 2 after 12 weeks and in group 3 after 24 weeks. Then capsule thickness, fibroblast and lymphocyte cell counts were evaluated for each sample. In Group 2 and group 3, the capsule thickness in Subgroup B was detected to be statistically significantly lower than that in Subgroup A. In Group 1, 2, and 3, the lymphocyte count in the capsule tissue taken from Subgroup B was lower than Subgroup A but the difference was not statistically significant. In Group 2 and 3, the fibrocyte count detected in the capsule tissue in Subgroup B was found to be statistically significantly lower than Subgroup A. the amniotic membrane was demonstrated to reduce capsule thickness by the antifibrinolytic effect in our study.

Two-stage prosthetic breast reconstruction with latissimus flap: Prepectoral versus subpectoral approach.

BACKGROUND: Use of latissimus flap in prosthetic breast reconstruction after mastectomy is an established approach, particularly in patients who have failed breast-conserving therapy. This study presents a comparison of the prepectoral and the subpectoral approach for two-stage prosthetic breast reconstruction with a latissimus flap. METHODS: A retrospective review of outcomes and complications was completed between the prepectoral group (n = 33 patients, 50 reconstructed breasts) and the subpectoral group (n = 22 patients, 36 reconstructed breasts). RESULTS: The demographics were similar between the prepectoral and subpectoral groups in terms of mean age (52.4 vs. 52.5 years, p = 0.97), smoking history (15.1% vs. 13.6%; p = 1.00), radiation history (75.8% vs. 91.0%; p = 0.28), and mean length of follow-up (479 vs. 680 days; p = 0.07). The body mass index was significantly higher in the prepectoral group (27.6 vs. 25.2 kg/m2; p = 0.03). Complications were similar between the groups in terms of hematoma (9.1% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.26), infection resulting in implant failure (9.1% vs. 4.5%, p = 0.64), thromboembolic events (3.0% vs. 4.5%, p = 1.0), donor site seroma (66.7% vs. 40.9%, p = 0.09), breast seroma (18.2% vs. 27.3%, p = 0.51), capsular contracture (9.1% vs. 4.5%, p = 0.64), animation deformity (39.4% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.58), and reoperation (24.2% vs. 22.8%, p = 1.00). Patient satisfaction scores were also similar between the groups (4.33 ±â€¯1.08 vs. 4.14 ±â€¯1.13, p = 0.52). CONCLUSIONS: The prepectoral approach for two-stage immediate prosthetic reconstruction with a latissimus flap has similar outcomes and complications to those of the subpectoral approach, yet obviating the need for any pectoralis major muscle dissection.

Microsurgical Replantation of Completely Avulsed Nasal Segment.

Complete avulsion of the nose is a devastating injury that may result in permanent disfigurement. Microvascular reattachment is technically difficult due to small size of the injured vessels, associated avulsion or crush injury, and relative inability to achieve venous anastomosis. This report describes a successful case of microsurgical replantation of the distal third of the nose in a 47-year-old patient after a dog bite injury with the use of a superficial temporal vein graft for arterial repair and leeching for venous outflow. The recovery was uneventful with total survival of the replant noted except for marginal skin necrosis, which healed by secondary intention. There was no need for any transfusion. The authors found that use of the superficial temporal vein for arterial revascularization was efficient and convenient as it was in the same surgical field, offering a favorable donor site scar in the preauricular sulcus. Microsurgical replantation should be attempted whenever feasible in cases of complete nose amputation.

The Medial Pillar Island Flap for Oncoplastic Breast Reconstruction of Upper Pole Defects.

BACKGROUND: Breast deformity is common following lumpectomy. Use of ptotic lower pole tissue for restoration of volume in the upper pole is quite appealing since it allows for a concomitant lift. This study presents the medial pillar island flap technique of oncoplastic breast reconstruction of upper pole defects. METHODS: Vascular anatomy of the lower pole of the breast was investigated with cadaver study. The medial pillar island flap was designed utilizing the territory of the inferior pole of the breast as an island flap pedicled medially by the internal mammary artery perforators surrounded by the soft tissue of the medial pillar. It was transposed to the upper pole lumpectomy defect as an independent flap from superomedial pedicle which was utilized for nipple transposition. RESULTS: The dominant internal mammary artery perforator supplying the medial pillar island flap was consistently found in the fourth interspace at a mean distance of 8.5 cm (range, 8 to 10) from the sternal midline. Thirty patients underwent the procedure, with a mean age of 61 years and mean body mass index of 28.9. The average size of the defect was 170 cm(3) (range, 48 to 295 cm(3)). The majority of the patients (n = 28) underwent opposite breast symmetry surgery as well. The average follow up was 12 months. Complication rate was 23.3%. Reoperation rate was 16.7%. There was no evidence of flap compromise or nipple areola complex necrosis. Patient satisfaction was high, with a mean score of 4.1 (range, 2 to 5) out of 5. CONCLUSIONS: The medial pillar island flap has reliable vascularity based on the internal mammary artery system. The flap carries lower pole breast tissue as confined by the medial and lateral pillars of a vertical mastopexy design, offering unrestricted arc of rotation for effective reconstruction of upper pole lumpectomy defects as it is completely dissected from the chest wall and the inframammary fold. The two flap design, along with superomedial pedicle, accomplishes versatility for flap inset. The technique was proven to result in safe outcomes without major complications.

Effect of Obesity on Complications in Short-Scar Breast Reduction: A Retrospective Study of 236 Consecutive Patients.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies have examined the relationship between obesity and adverse outcomes after reduction mammaplasty, suggesting a correlation between increasing body mass index (BMI) and postoperative complications. However, there is little data published regarding such correlation with respect to short-scar technique. METHODS: A total of 236 patients underwent short-scar mammaplasty with a superomedial pedicle from 2008 to 2014. The procedure was performed by a single surgeon at an academic medical center. Adverse outcomes included delayed healing, major wounds, nipple necrosis, fat necrosis, seroma, hematoma, infection, revision, and dog ear deformities. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to calculate crude and adjusted odds ratios for the association of BMI category with the development of any adverse outcome. RESULTS: Patients were grouped by the following BMI categories: <25 kg/m2 (n = 27), 25 to <30 kg/m2 (n = 71), 30 to <35 kg/m2 (n = 73), 35 to <40 kg/m2 (n = 45), and >40 kg/m2 (n = 20). The mean follow-up period was 260 days. The total complication rate in each group was 22.2%, 23.9%, 27.4%, 33.3%, and 45.0%, respectively. Although the proportion of patients experiencing at least 1 adverse outcome increased across the ascending BMI categories (P trend = .145), there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: This study of 236 patients who underwent short-scar reduction mammaplasty found a positive trend in the incidence of adverse outcomes as BMI increased. However, this was not statistically significant.

HISTORIQUE: Des études antérieures ont porté sur le lien entre l'obésité et les événements indésirables après une mammoplastie de réduction, laissant supposer un lien entre l'augmentation de l'indice de masse corporelle (IMC) et les complications postopératoires. Cependant, peu de données sont publiées sur cette corrélation et la technique à petite cicatrice. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Entre 2008 et 2014, un total de 236 patientes a subi une mammoplastie avec petite cicatrice à l'aide d'un pédicule supériomédian. Un seul chirurgien a effectué l'intervention dans un centre hospitalier universitaire. Les événements indésirables incluaient le retard de la cicatrisation, les plaies majeures, la nécrose du mamelon, la nécrose des graisses, le sérome, l'hématome, l'infection, la révision et les déformations cornées. Les chercheurs ont utilisé l'analyse par régression logistique univariée et multivariée pour calculer le rapport de cotes (RC) brut et rajusté et établir l'association entre la catégorie d'IMC et l'apparition d'événements indésirables. RÉSULTATS: Les patientes étaient regroupées selon les catégories d'IMC suivantes : moins de 25 kg/m2 (n = 27), 25 à moins de 30 kg/m2 (n = 71), 30 à moins de 35 kg/m2 (n = 73), 35 à moins de 40 kg/m2 (n = 45) et plus de de 40 kg/m2 (n = 20). La période de suivi moyenne était de 260 jours. Dans chaque groupe, le taux total de complications s'élevait à 22.2 %, 23.9 %, 27.4 %, 33.3 % et 45.0 %, respectivement. Même si la proportion des patientes qui présentaient au moins un événement indésirable augmentait en fonction des catégories d'IMC ascendantes, (tendance P = 0,145), les différences n'étaient pas statistiquement significatives entre les groupes. CONCLUSIONS: La présente étude auprès de 236 patientes qui ont subi une mammoplastie avec petite cicatrice a déterminé que l'incidence d'événements indésirables augmentait proportionnellement à l'IMC. Cette observation n'était toutefois pas statistiquement significative.

Microvascular Replantation of the Avulsed Lip.

Traumatic facial soft tissue injury often creates both aesthetic and functional deficits. In complete lip avulsions, microvascular replantation is a reconstructive option that has the potential to fulfill both of these goals. However, lip replantations remain rare and there are few reports in the literature. The authors aim to present a clinical report of a young male who sustained a human bite injury and underwent microvascular replantation of a completely avulsed lower lip and to review the literature and management of these complex injuries.

Complex Scalp and Calvarium Defects After Giant Basal Cell Carcinoma Excision: Management, Challanges, Outcomes.

Giant basal cell carcinoma (GBCC) is defined as a tumor ≥5 cm in diameter. GBCC of scalp usually requires extended resection of soft tissues, calvarium, and dura. In this study, we present 5 patients with GBCC of head, who underwent a single-stage combined scalp, calvarium, and dural reconstruction. Herein, we aim to discuss reconstruction methods, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, duration of hospital stay, and tumor recurrency. Peroperative and postoperative follow-ups, defect areas, and performed calvarium reconstruction methods of 5 patients, who underwent complex scalp and calvarium reconstruction after GBCC between year 2010 and 2017, were retrospectively maintained. We studied reconstruction methods, CSF leakage, duration of hospital stay, and tumor recurrency. All patients undergone single-stage reconstruction. Avarge duration of hospital stay was 15 days. Titanium mesh was used in 3 patients and methyl methacrylate was used in 2 patients for calvarium reconstruction. CSF leakage was seen in patients who underwent calvarium reconstruction with titanium mesh. Tumor recurrence occured next to calvarium in 1 patient who undergone calvarium reconstruction with methyl methacrylate. CSF leakage and duration of hospital stay may induce morbidity of this oncoplastic procedure. The fact of longer hospital stay of patients reconstructed with titanium mesh might be a new data presented in this study. These parameters can be related with the method of calvarium reconstruction.

Short-Scar Mammaplasty in Severe Macromastia.

It is generally claimed that short-scar mammaplasty is limited to small-to-medium reductions. Its use in patients with severe macromastia has been associated with a high rate of complications. This report presents our experience of reduction mammaplasty greater than 1000 g per breast using a short-scar technique. The procedure is based on the following: a) modified breast marking method with conservative placement of the nipple-areola complex, determined not only by the level of the inframammary fold but also degree of upper pole volume loss; b) use of liposuction for contouring the inferior pole; c) vertical design dermoglandular resection; d) superomedial pedicle; and e) skin closure without undermining or gathering. A total of 69 patients were identified (n = 138 breasts). Mean age was 38.0 years with average BMI of 36.4 kg/m. Mean weight of breast removed was 1333.8 g (range, 1002-3275). New nipple position was determined to be inferior to the inframammary fold at a mean distance of 4.6 cm, as predicted by the degree of flatness of upper pole. Complications included delayed healing (7.2%), fat necrosis (10.1%), infection (5.8%), hematoma (2.9%), and seroma (1.5%). There were no instances of nipple-areola complex necrosis. Revision of dog-ears was necessary in 7 patients (10.1%). The authors conclude that in using a modified short-scar mammaplasty approach in cases of severe macromastia, the outcomes can be improved with reduced scar burden, pleasing breast shape, and a low complication rate.

Fleur-de-lis panniculectomy after bariatric surgery: our experience.

BACKGROUND: Plastic surgeons are faced with increasing numbers of patients presenting for insurance-covered skin excision procedures following bariatric surgery. Panniculectomy for symptomatic relief of rashes is commonly performed, but an isolated infraumbilical amputation-type panniculectomy is a highly unaesthetic procedure, leaving many patients deeply dissatisfied. It may be also fraught with complications due to large incisions and potential for dead-space. In these patients, many surgeons avoid the fleur-de-lis panniculectomy, despite the body contour aesthetic advantage, because of increased time, more scarring, and a perceived increase in complications. METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review of 130 consecutive postbariatric surgery patients who had panniculectomy over a 2-year period at our institution. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients underwent a traditional panniculectomy and 100 patients had a fleur-de-lis panniculectomy. Mean weight loss from bariatric surgery to panniculectomy was 58.2 kg, with an average body mass index (BMI) of 30. Fifty-seven patients had additional procedures performed at the time of panniculectomy. Twenty-two patients (17%) had complications, with 5 in the traditional group (17%) and 17 in the fleur-de-lis group (17%) (P = 1.0). Six males (40%) had more complications compared with 18 females (15.7%) (P = 0.034). Patients with BMI <30 had 10 complications compared with patients with BMI ≥30 had 15 complications. CONCLUSIONS: There are many benefits of fleur-de-lis over traditional panniculectomy, even for medical necessity cases. There is limited undermining of tissue which minimizes/eliminates skin necrosis. Our experience with primarily fleur-de-lis panniculectomies shows a complication rate lower than most published data. Fleur-de-lis potentially creates a better symptom correction and cosmetic outcome by resecting maximal skin in both vertical and horizontal directions. These findings must be balanced against a potentially longer operation.

Adductor magnus perforator flap revisited: an anatomical review and clinical applications.

BACKGROUND: The adductor magnus musculocutaneous perforator flap is a medial thigh flap whose utility is often overshadowed by that of its anatomic neighbor, the gracilis flap. It has a large, reliable pedicle and associated skin paddle. Few reports have been published describing the use of this flap as a local or free tissue transfer. The purpose of this study is to revisit and further characterize the anatomy of this extremely versatile yet underutilized flap. MATERIALS/METHODS: A total of 13 cadavers (n = 26 thighs) were dissected to identify the musculocutaneous perforators that supply the skin of the posteriomedial thigh. The vascular anatomy was studied using multiple modalities. Based on the anatomic data, a local V-Y advancement flap was designed. A total of 8 patients (n = 10 flaps) underwent reconstruction of locoregional defects. RESULTS: Our anatomic studies confirmed the presence of multiple parallel musculocutaneous perforators that travel through the adductor magnus muscle and course obliquely in a posterior-inferior direction. We found that the primary perforator is reliably found approximately 8 cm distal to the groin crease and 2 cm posterior to the posterior border of the gracilis muscle. We discovered that it is consistently accompanied by a separate perforator located 2 cm distally. Minimal dissection into the muscle revealed a Y-configuration of these 2 perforators. This configuration was present in 100% of the cadaveric dissections and is supplied by the first medial branch of the profunda femoris artery. Computed tomography angiograms depicted vascular arborization of the perforators supplying the flap. Clinical experience showed that complete flap survival was achieved in all of the cases. CONCLUSION: The adductor magnus perforator flap is a reliable flap that offers robust blood supply, through a consistent vascular pedicle, to an extensive skin territory. Our anatomic studies revealed the consistent presence of 2 proximal perforators in the medial thigh that are linked by an intramuscular Y-configuration that provides enhanced blood supply to a local V-Y advancement flap design. The location of the skin paddle on the proximal medial thigh allows for minimal donor-site morbidity as it can be closed primarily with a V-Y advancement flap design, obviating the need for skin grafting.

Short scar reduction mammaplasty in the bariatric patient.

Reduction mammaplasty may be necessary even after massive weight loss. Patients typically present with unfavorable breast features such as significant loss of upper pole volume, inelastic skin, and severe ptosis. The most common approach in the United States has been the Wise-pattern inferior pedicle technique, emphasizing skin excision. This report presents the short scar vertical reduction mammaplasty approach for the bariatric patient population. It aims to demonstrate improved outcomes with less scar burden. The study included 15 women (n = 29 breast reductions) with mean age of 41.8 years. All the patients had undergone gastric bypass surgery, with mean weight loss of 109 pounds and mean body mass index of 33.3 kg/m(2). A modified superomedial pedicle vertical mammaplasty technique was used. New nipple position was placed lower than the inframammary fold in accordance with vertical lack of upper pole fullness. Suction-assisted lipectomy was used to contour the inferior pole of the breast before glandular resection. A full-thickness superomedial pedicle and median incision of the upper pole maximized pedicle safety. The mean breast resection was 605 g on the right side (range, 352-945) and 592 g on the left side (range, 360-908). Patient satisfaction was high, with pleasing and stable breast shape at long-term, and a mean patient-related aesthetic ranking of 4.3 of 5.0. No major complications were noted. It is shown that superomedial pedicle vertical reduction mammaplasty can be an alternative approach in bariatric patients, achieving long-term pleasing and stable results with significantly decreased scar burden.

Contouring the inferior pole of the breast in vertical mammaplasty: suction-assisted lipectomy versus direct defatting.

BACKGROUND: Precise contouring of the inframammary fold is essential in vertical mammaplasty to avoid persistent dog-ears and revision surgery. This report presents the adjunctive use of suction-assisted lipectomy to shape the inferior pole of the breast in vertical reduction mammaplasty. METHODS: A total of 117 patients underwent a modified superomedial pedicle vertical breast reduction. In group I (n = 45), the lower pole shaping was achieved with direct defatting. Based on contour problems leading to revisions, group II (n = 72) comprised the later experience whereby the inferior pole and inferolateral aspect of the breast was approached with liposuction. The rest of the procedure was similar. Revisions and complications were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The demographics were similar in terms of age (38 ± 13 years versus 37 ± 12 years; p > 0.05), body mass index (31.8 ± 5.2 versus 32.1 ± 4.8; p > 0.05), and the amount of breast reduction (713 ± 341 g versus 668 ± 455 g on the right side and 704 ± 347 g versus 649 ± 450 g on the left side; p > 0.05). Group II patients required revision surgery significantly less than group I patients (22.2 percent versus 5.5 percent; p < 0.05). However, the complication rates were similar (15.6 percent versus 12.5 percent; p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In a practice setting with a broad spectrum of patient profiles, adjunctive use of liposuction in vertical breast reduction accomplishes effective contouring of the lower pole of the breast and reduces the revision rates significantly with a low complication rate. This is particularly helpful in large breasts with an ill-defined lateral border. It is emphasized that liposuction is used for contouring purposes and not for volume reduction.

Vertical mastopexy and lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP) flap with pectoralis muscle sling for autologous tissue breast augmentation in the bariatric patient.

Breast contouring surgery after massive weight loss is challenging because of unfavorable features such as inelastic skin, volume depletion, loss of upper pole fullness, and significant ptosis. An approach is presented for autoaugmentation using a lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP) flap secured with a pectoralis muscle sling, along with mastopexy based on vertical scar principles. In a total of 8 patients (average age: 39.3 years, range: 29-57; average body mass index: 30.8 kg/m2, range: 25.7-39.1) with breast ptosis and volume depletion after a mean weight loss of 121.9 pounds (range: 80-210), LICAP flap (n = 16) was used with turnover flap design to increase breast volume under a pectoralis muscle sling. Vertical design mastopexy (n = 16) was achieved at the same time, resulting in an L-shaped final scar. All the patients were followed for at least 1 year after the surgery. Patient satisfaction was high at long-term follow-up (average: 16.8 months, range: 12-24), with stable and pleasing breast shape and a mean patient ranking for aesthetic outcome of 4.2 (of 5). None of the patients developed any flap necrosis or fat necrosis. An alternative approach is described for the combined treatment of breast ptosis and volume loss in the bariatric patient, with promising long-term results. The muscle sling seems to help prevent tissue descent, without evidence of pseudoptosis at long term. It is shown that vertical scar techniques can be successfully used even in bariatric patients.

Median incision of the upper pole in medial pedicle vertical mammaplasty.

BACKGROUND: The medial pedicle is commonly employed in vertical breast reduction. With this procedure, there is concern about pedicle compression, especially in large breast reductions when a relatively large medial pedicle is rotated into a smaller sized areolar opening. OBJECTIVE: The author describes a technical refinement to the vertical mammaplasty, whereby a splitting incision is made into the upper pole parenchyma that allows safe pedicle inset without any constriction by the pillar closure, while upper pole fullness is still maintained. METHODS: A total of 94 patients underwent mammaplasty with the author's technique, in which a superomedial pedicle was dissected as a full-thickness flap. The excision of breast tissue was beveled (especially laterally) to treat lateral fullness, while it was maintained perpendicular to the chest wall at the areola opening to preserve upper pole fullness. A straight incision was made into the upper pole, such that the pedicle was then easily rotated to the defect, obviating the need for upper pole debulking. RESULTS: Resection per breast ranged from 350 to 2505 g (average, 780 g). In this series, medial pedicle vertical mammaplasty was a safe and effective operation for a wide variety of breast sizes and shapes, without any nipple-areola complex necrosis. Follow-up at an average of one year demonstrated a stable and aesthetically pleasing shape in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: The median incision of the upper pole adds to the safety of vertical mammaplasty by preventing medial pedicle compression. Additionally, the aesthetic outcome is improved.