Superomedial Pedicle Vertical Scar Breast Reduction: Objective and Subjective Assessment of Breast Symmetry and Aesthetics.

BACKGROUND: The superomedial vertical scar breast reduction (SVBR) described by Hall-Findlay is gaining popularity among surgeons worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate its long-term aesthetic outcome, the extent of quality of life improvement and the factors that influence patient satisfaction and reviewers' evaluation of aesthetic/surgical outcome. METHODS: In this historical prospective study, we included women who underwent SVBR at least one year prior to enrollment and responded to a quality of life questionnaire. Their breasts were photographed, measured and evaluated by the plastic surgery staff. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients responded to the questionnaire, and the breasts of 31 of them were measured and photographed. All 31 patients had good breast symmetry according to objective breast measurements. There was a clear correlation between the patients' and the reviewers' scores of breast symmetry, scar appearance and breast shape (r = 0.4-0.65, r = 0.432-0.495 and r = 0.335-0.403, respectively). The factor that most influenced reviewers' and patients' satisfaction with the overall aesthetic outcome was the breast-to-body proportion. CONCLUSIONS: The proportions between the breast size and the patient's body habitus are pivotal to patient satisfaction and should be taken into consideration when planning a reduction mammaplasty. The SVBR technique for breast reduction provided good cosmetic outcome and symmetry over a long-term follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .