INTRODUCTION
Mastopexy and reduction mammoplasty techniques represent both artistic and
technical challenges. They aim to reduce the vertical and horizontal planes of
the breast, reshape the parenchyma, reposition the nipple-areola complex, and
resect redundant skin and breast tissue in excess1. As with any procedure that does not have one
ideal method, the literature is replete with different techniques, all of which
have certain advantages and definite limitations2.
With the constant reinvention of old ideas and guided by a deeper understanding
of the surgical anatomy of the breast, reduction mammoplasty has evolved from
primarily reducing breast bulk to reducing with emphasis on functional and
aesthetic outcome2. Like most
other aesthetic procedures, particularly in-paired organs for which symmetry is
critical, a successful outcome is greatly determined by pre-operative
planning1. Flaws in
design are responsible for a large proportion of unsatisfactory results and
shape distortion3.
Skin excision and the pedicle for nipple-areola complex transposition are breast
lifting and reduction surgery components. Though related, these two components
are independent of each other4.
Currently performed techniques result from combining different skin markings for
various types of skin excision patterns with a wide variety of
pedicles4-9. By carefully considering the
design of the skin resection, choosing, and designing an appropriate pedicle,
prevention of skin and nipple-areola complex necrosis, unsightly scars, and
shape distortion can be minimized3.
Key to the procedure’s success and an aesthetically pleasing outcome is a
delicate “shape versus scar” balance. Various short scar
periareolar reduction mammoplasty techniques have been proposed to reduce scar
burden10,11. The periareolar procedure may be associated with
complications, among which are persistent periareolar wrinkles, hypertrophic
scarring, areolar spreading, and periareolar scar widening. Despite minimal scar
burden, periareolar incision techniques result in poor projection and flattening
of the breast contour12. These techniques are advisable only for
minimal hypertrophies or breast ptosis13,14. The two most commonly
performed skin resection approaches are the Wise keyhole and the vertical scar
patterns15; only the vertical scar patterns result in reducing
the scar burden at the expense sometimes of long visible vertical scars
transgressing the inframammary fold and immediate post-operative unpleasant
breast form distortion.
OBJECTIVES
In 2005, the senior author had proposed refinements of the vertical scar
mammoplasty with a circumvertical skin excision design16 that has been used exclusively since then on
all patients presenting for mastopexy or reduction mammoplasty. This report is
not intended to review the outcome of this procedure over the last two decades
but rather to describe the simplified skin marking method and the rationale for
basing it on the well-established and familiar Wise template. A case series will
be illustrated, and a review of available skin marking modalities will also be
reviewed.
As such, the purpose of this paper is not to review the outcome that depends on
not only the skin excision pattern but for many variables beyond the scope of
this report. It is meant to describe a simplified way to perform skin markings
of the circumvertical technique, a hybrid technique combining both periareolar
and vertical skin excision patterns. No approval from the institutional review
board was required, and there is no conflict with the principles of the
declaration of Helsinki.
METHODS
Surgical technique
Circumvertical “Matryoshka” Russian doll silhouette skin
marking pattern (Figures 1 and 2). A standard Wise keyhole pattern with
standard measurements is marked without the elliptical lower component with
the patient in the standing position. Initial reference markings are the
mid-sternal line, the mid-clavicular point, the existing submammary creases,
and the breast axis/meridian. The upper border of the wise template is
positioned at the level of the anterior projection of the inframammary line
at the intersection with the breast axis. The vertical limbs of the drawing
are made to measure 4 cm. Their divergence is adjusted, as usual, depending
on the degree of ptosis and the amount of lifting and glandular excision
required. For patients with small breasts requiring only mastopexy in whom
the subareolar scar length would not be too long, the vertical limbs may be
made to measure 2-3 cm. A semicircular new periareolar line is then drawn
connecting 3 points: the two lower ends of the vertical limbs and the top of
the keyhole pattern. On average, the medial portion of this line is 9 to
11cm from the midline, and the lateral part is approximately 12cm from the
anterior axillary line. Though the drawing is freehand, it is greatly
facilitated by pre-determination of the three key points.
Figure 1 - A. Diagrammatic representation of the Russian doll -
“Matryoshka”; B.
“Matryoshka” profile; C. Wise template
drawing (in red) with final breast marking.
Figure 1 - A. Diagrammatic representation of the Russian doll -
“Matryoshka”; B.
“Matryoshka” profile; C. Wise template
drawing (in red) with final breast marking.
Figure 2 - Illustration of the “Matryoshka” breast marking
based on the Wise template. Controlled periareolar skin excision is
limited by the vertical diverging limbs of a standard Wise pattern
and allows shortening of the vertical scar.
Figure 2 - Illustration of the “Matryoshka” breast marking
based on the Wise template. Controlled periareolar skin excision is
limited by the vertical diverging limbs of a standard Wise pattern
and allows shortening of the vertical scar.
Then with regular Lejour maneuver, medial and vertical lines are dropped from
the ends of the new periareolar line. Then, with the patient in the supine
position, the vertical lines are connected by a semicircular line, the
bottom of which at the breast axis line is two fingers (2-4cm) above the
existing inframammary fold (Figure 3).
The marking is finally completed at the operating table by delineating an
areola 4 to 5cm in diameter as indicated.
In patients with severe gigantomastia or poor skin tone in which the vertical
lines are judged to be still too long, resulting in prolonged or permanent
skin pleating, vertical subareolar limbs measuring 7-8 cm are considered
shortening the glandular vertical pillars. A horizontal skin excision may
also be added to the marking at this level, maintaining the lower horizontal
incision line 2 fingers (2-4cm) above the existing inframammary crease, thus
converting the drawing to an inverted “T” design with the
vertical subareolar limbs measuring 7-8cm. Alternatively, the decision to
convert the design to an “L” or short inverted
“T” may be made intraoperatively as required. In the
eventuality of an inverted “T” design, preservation of
de-epithelialized dermal flaps at the lower border of the medial and lateral
pillars allows secure closure with no tension at the
“T”-junction, greatly reducing the risk of wound dehiscence
(Figure 4).
Post-operative care
No drains were placed during surgery. Patients were either discharged the
same day or stayed one night, depending on patient preference.
Post-operatively, patients were prescribed painkillers and antibiotics for
one week. On follow-up appointments at one week, two weeks and every month
after that, patients’ wounds were evaluated. Most patients were
followed up for at least two years and were satisfied with the aesthetic
result and scars. Over the study period, none of the patients required scar
revision. Only one patient presenting with gigantomastia, early on when we
started applying this pattern, required revision for pseudoptosis secondary
to insufficient glandular tissue excision with very long vertical
pillars.
RESULTS
Case Report #1:
A 30-year-old healthy non-smoker patient presented 1-year post-partum
complaining of large breasts and sought breast reduction (Figure 5).
A circumvertical “Matryoshka” design was planned; 160g was
resected from the lower pole of each breast. The patient’s
pre-operative markings are shown along with photos preoperatively and upon
immediate follow-up and at six months to show the stability of the result.
The patient is reportedly satisfied and pleased with the shape.
Case Report #2:
A 44-year-old healthy non-smoker multi-gravid patient presented with the
complaint of breast asymmetry, as well as sagging of her breasts. She had
initially specifically requested a Benelli mastopexy, as she feared the
scars. Upon extensive counseling, she agreed to undergo a circumvertical
“Matryoshka” mastopexy (Figure 6).
The patient’s pre-operative markings are shown along with photos
preoperatively and followed up at five months. The patient is reportedly
very satisfied and pleased with the scars and the shape of her breasts.
Case Report #3:
A 34-year-old healthy but heavy smoker patient presented complaining of
sagging breasts and not desiring any reduction in breast shape. She was
counseled about the need for smoking cessation and was offered a
circumvertical “Matryoshka” mastopexy in combination with
Hamdi’s volume distribution mastopexy48 (Figure 7).
Figure 3 - A. Wise template drawing along standard measurements
and reference points and planes. Upper border of the wise pattern is
at the intersection of the breast meridian with the anterior
projection of the inframammary fold (yellow line); B.
Periareolar line drawing guided by the Wise template; C
and D. Lejour’s maneuver for marking of lateral
and medial pillars. E and F. Lower border
of skin marking 2 fingers above the existing inframammary
line.
Figure 3 - A. Wise template drawing along standard measurements
and reference points and planes. Upper border of the wise pattern is
at the intersection of the breast meridian with the anterior
projection of the inframammary fold (yellow line); B.
Periareolar line drawing guided by the Wise template; C
and D. Lejour’s maneuver for marking of lateral
and medial pillars. E and F. Lower border
of skin marking 2 fingers above the existing inframammary
line.
The patient’s pre-operative markings are shown along with photos
preoperatively, as well as upon immediate follow up and at 2 months. The
patient is reportedly very satisfied and pleased with the scars as well as
the shape of her breasts.
DISCUSSION
Figure 4 - A, B and C. Marking of transverse inferior
excision converting the pattern to an inverted “T”. Wise
pattern (in red) determines the periareolar line. Upper limit of the
inferior elliptical excision is at 7-8cm (in yellow) on the marked
medial and lateral pillars borders; D, E, F and
G. De-epithelialized dermal flap at the lower border of
the medial and lateral pillars anchored inferiorly at the chest wall
allowing closure at the “T”-junction without tension; H.
Primary healing; I, J and K. Early post-operative result.
Figure 4 - A, B and C. Marking of transverse inferior
excision converting the pattern to an inverted “T”. Wise
pattern (in red) determines the periareolar line. Upper limit of the
inferior elliptical excision is at 7-8cm (in yellow) on the marked
medial and lateral pillars borders; D, E, F and
G. De-epithelialized dermal flap at the lower border of
the medial and lateral pillars anchored inferiorly at the chest wall
allowing closure at the “T”-junction without tension; H.
Primary healing; I, J and K. Early post-operative result.
Figure 5 - A 30-year-old healthy non-smoker patient presented 1-year post-partum
complaining of large breasts and sought breast reduction. A
circumvertical “Matryoshka” design was planned. 160g was
resected from the lower pole of each breast. The patient’s
(A) preoperative markings are shown along with photos
(B) preoperatively, as well as upon (C)
immediate follow up and (D) at 6 months to show the
stability of the result. The patient is reportedly satisfied and pleased
with the shape.
Figure 5 - A 30-year-old healthy non-smoker patient presented 1-year post-partum
complaining of large breasts and sought breast reduction. A
circumvertical “Matryoshka” design was planned. 160g was
resected from the lower pole of each breast. The patient’s
(A) preoperative markings are shown along with photos
(B) preoperatively, as well as upon (C)
immediate follow up and (D) at 6 months to show the
stability of the result. The patient is reportedly satisfied and pleased
with the shape.
Figure 6 - A 44-year-old healthy non-smoker multi gravid patient presented with
the complaint of breast asymmetry, as well as sagging of her breasts.
She had initially specifically requested a Benelli mastopexy as she
feared the scars. Upon extensive counseling, she agreed to undergo a
circumvertical “Matryoshka” mastopexy. The
patient’s (A) preoperative markings are shown along
with photos (B) preoperatively, as well as follow up
(C) at 5 months. The patient is reportedly very
satisfied and pleased with the scars as well as the shape of her
breasts.
Figure 6 - A 44-year-old healthy non-smoker multi gravid patient presented with
the complaint of breast asymmetry, as well as sagging of her breasts.
She had initially specifically requested a Benelli mastopexy as she
feared the scars. Upon extensive counseling, she agreed to undergo a
circumvertical “Matryoshka” mastopexy. The
patient’s (A) preoperative markings are shown along
with photos (B) preoperatively, as well as follow up
(C) at 5 months. The patient is reportedly very
satisfied and pleased with the scars as well as the shape of her
breasts.
Figure 7 - A 34-year-old healthy but heavy smoker patient presented complaining
of sagging breasts and not desiring any reduction in breast shape. She
was counseled about the need for smoking cessation and was offered a
circumvertical “Matryoshka” mastopexy in combination with
Hamdi’s volume distribution mastopexy. The patient’s
(A) pre-operative markings are shown along with photos
(B) preoperatively, as well as (C) upon
immediate follow up and at 2 months (D). The patient is
reportedly very satisfied and pleased with the scars as well as the
shape of her breasts.
Figure 7 - A 34-year-old healthy but heavy smoker patient presented complaining
of sagging breasts and not desiring any reduction in breast shape. She
was counseled about the need for smoking cessation and was offered a
circumvertical “Matryoshka” mastopexy in combination with
Hamdi’s volume distribution mastopexy. The patient’s
(A) pre-operative markings are shown along with photos
(B) preoperatively, as well as (C) upon
immediate follow up and at 2 months (D). The patient is
reportedly very satisfied and pleased with the scars as well as the
shape of her breasts.
Several years ago, Penn (1955)17 and Wise (1956)18 described surgical landmarks that ensured reproducible
mammoplasty aesthetic outcomes. These landmarks as well as metrics of the ideal
aesthetic breast shape have been recently reviewed19. Moreover, major progress was made when, in
1956, Wise18 designed a skin
resection template based on brassiere “Cordelia of Hollywood” bra
cups20, which became
known as the keyhole inverted “T” pattern, and when principles of
breast remodeling while preserving nipple areolar complex vascularity were
elaborated by numerous surgeons, each in his own way, including Skoog
(ANO)5, Arie
(ANO)5, Strombeck
(1960)21, Pitanguy
(1967)22, McKissock
(1972)23, Robbins
(1977)24, and Courtiss
and Goldwyn (1977)25.
Not satisfied with procedures relying on skin brassiere for breast shaping and
support that generally tend to deteriorate with time12, Lassus (1996)26 in the 1970s perfected and
published the vertical mammoplasty that was later popularized by Lejour
(1994)27,28 and modified by Hall-Findlay
(2004)9. Key features
of the vertical scar technique are skin excision in only one direction, which
reduces scar burden16,28-31. Though fixed landmarks are taken into consideration,
vertical mammoplasties have been criticized for being intuitive and difficult to
learn; the most difficult aspect of the technique is lack of a simple
standardized pattern to follow. In fact, free hand drawing has been a major
hurdle that has prevented this modality from gaining wide acceptance32,33 in addition to long subareolar vertical scars and skin
redundancy at the level of the inframammary crease constituting major
drawbacks9,12,31.
Despite the generalized acceptance that short scar techniques are good options
for many patients and despite the universal desire to minimize scarring, the
classic inverted “T” Wise pattern skin marking remains the most
commonly used technique3,7. It is the standard to which
more recent limited scar techniques are judged34,35,
most likely because of the comfort level that surgeons have in applying the
template to all varieties and sizes of breast reductions and
mastopexies3. Although
this technique has endured, it has certainly evolved since was first
conceived3.
Current wise pattern breast reductions are very different from the original
description with widely variable design depending on the length and angle of
divergence of the vertical limbs, degree of undermining, and the length of the
IMF incision3. The McKissock
(1972)23 keyhole
marker has been proposed as a practical interpretation of the original wise
template3. A
template-goniometer has also been described35.
Hybrid procedures combining advantages while minimizing disadvantages of
previously described techniques are common in the plastic surgery literature.
Breast reduction and mastopexy are no exception. Based on the wise pattern, the
superior pedicle, short horizontal scar breast reduction has been described as a
hybrid procedure to redistribute excess in horizontal elliptical resection to
wider vertical and periareolar resections36. However, periareolar skin excision of this technique
is very limited. Ramirez (2002)37 described the “owl” reduction mammoplasty
combining features of large periareolar and vertical reduction techniques.
However, marking of this technique is made free hand and is somewhat complicated
to execute. The circumvertical technique can be an alternative method to both
the periareolar and the vertical techniques. It combines vertical mammoplasty
with a wider periareolar skin excision and practically effects skin excision
both vertically and horizontally38-40. Excision of
wider periareolar skin diminishes the length of the vertical scar; conversely,
inclusion of a vertical component to the periareolar technique reduces
periareolar pleating37.
Described skin marking of this technique remains however intuitive and free
hand.
Though many have challenged that rigid and standard patterns may not take into
account individual variations in glandular density and positioning within the
skin envelope advocating more liberal and free hand drawings6, use of design templates for
pre-operative skin marking is highly practical and desirable35. It can thoroughly help to
simplify surgery and achieve reproducible and satisfactory results, especially
for trainees or surgeons at the early days of their practice7. Basing the drawings on the
well-established and familiar Wise template as we are suggesting makes the
circumvertical “Matryoshka” design very attractive; it can be
demonstrated and taught to trainees easily. Gumus et al. (2006)33 reported 1 year later a
somewhat comparable marking pattern; however, they used the keyhole pattern as a
guide to provide a consistent estimation for the amount of dermoglandular tissue
to be removed from the inferior breast pole and not to determine extent of
periareolar skin excision as we are proposing.
Traditionally, the circumference of the areolar skin opening is made to match the
circumference of the ideal areola2. In both the wise and vertical patterns, the circumareolar
incision is made 14-16cm in length matching the circumference of a circle
4.5-5cm in diameter presumably to minimize periareolar tension, avoid areola and
periareolar scar stretching, areola flattening and the dreaded
“starburst” appearance and “tomato breast”
deformity41. Lejour
(1994)28 has stressed
that the periareolar incision should not exceed 16cm in length. Hall-Findlay
(2004)9 suggested that
it is possible to make it a bit larger, but not exceeding 20cm31.
Spear et al. (1992)42 on the
other hand, demonstrated that a much longer periareolar incision up to 25-28cm
matching the circumference of a circle 8-9cm in diameter double that of a
regular areola may be made without risking the complications Lejour
(1994)28 and
Hall-Findlay (2004)9 have
warned against. The outer circle diameter however must not be drawn to exceed
twice the size of the areola constituting the inner circle43. The method proposed for the
circumvertical “Matryoshka” drawing has been effective in guiding
wide periareolar excision while avoiding excessive excision as recommended by
Spear et al. (1992)42. It must
be noted that a wide periareolar excision adds an element of horizontal skin
excision and results in an upward lift of the subareolar skin resulting in
shorter vertical suture line (Figures 8,
9, and 10). The possibility to develop a wide base to the superior
dermoglandular pattern that would improve NAC vascular perfusion37 would be another
advantage.
To avoid a teardrop-shaped areola, Hammond and Kim (2016)10 recommended approximation of
the periareolar incision with an accurately placed key-anchoring suture. Exact
placement of this suture in the planning we are proposing is not intuitive. It
is predetermined by pre-operative marking and corresponds to the medial and
lateral ends of the periareolar incision16. Blocking triangles as described by Lista and Ahmad et
al. (2006)30 are not
necessary. Placement of a Benelli round-block suture claimed to be key in
preventing areolar widening and scar hypertrophy and spread43 is not necessary or effective
as well41 provided extent of
periareolar skin excision be kept within the limits defined by the
circumvertical “Matryoshka” pattern. In fact, a well-defined
circular area corresponding approximately to an areola of 4-5cm in diameter
becomes readily defined following placement of this key suture provided
glandular mound has been properly formed.
Figure 8 - A and B. Circumvertical -
“Matryoshka” pattern for mastopexy. Periareolar line drawn
with wise vertical limbs of 2.5cm; C. Superior pedicle
de-epithelialization and excision (or de-epithelialization) of the lower
pole skin; D, E and F. Stages of areolar
suturing maintaining adequate diameter with no tension. Note circular
areola without teardrop deformity and absence of pleating;
G. Scar quality at 4 weeks.
Figure 8 - A and B. Circumvertical -
“Matryoshka” pattern for mastopexy. Periareolar line drawn
with wise vertical limbs of 2.5cm; C. Superior pedicle
de-epithelialization and excision (or de-epithelialization) of the lower
pole skin; D, E and F. Stages of areolar
suturing maintaining adequate diameter with no tension. Note circular
areola without teardrop deformity and absence of pleating;
G. Scar quality at 4 weeks.
Figure 9 - A. Circumvertical “Matryoshka” pattern for
mastopexy; B and C. Periareolar and vertical
scars 2 years postoperative.
Figure 9 - A. Circumvertical “Matryoshka” pattern for
mastopexy; B and C. Periareolar and vertical
scars 2 years postoperative.
Figure 10 - A. Patient with ptosis and previous breast augmentation;
B. Simultaneous augmentation mastopexy with the
circumvertical “Matryoshka” pattern early result; C,
D and E. Result at 4 months.
Figure 10 - A. Patient with ptosis and previous breast augmentation;
B. Simultaneous augmentation mastopexy with the
circumvertical “Matryoshka” pattern early result; C,
D and E. Result at 4 months.
Unlike other vertical scar techniques that take several months to achieve final
breast shape, we have invariably achieved a pleasing breast shape very early
with the circumvertical “Matryoshka” pattern in a wide range of
breast mastopexies and reductions much like what Lista and Ahmad et al.
(2006)30 have
reported. This proves that the characteristically unusual appearance at the end
of the procedure and the frequently described immediate exaggerated upper pole
fullness and inferior pole flatness are not an inherent and unavoidable
characteristic of the vertical mammoplasty technique. Balanced and
well-controlled skin excision pattern when combined with well thought breast
parenchyma resection and NAC pedicle transposition can achieve early and
long-term pleasing aesthetic outcome.
Furthermore, in case of conversion to an inverted “T” design,
several techniques have been described to minimize tension, ischemia, and
wound-healing problems at the “T”-junction44-47. Unlike the narrow based triangular lipodermal flaps
hinged to the musculo-aponeurotic connective tissue of the inframammary fold
with 1 apical stay suture at the breast meridian44, or the three triangular dermal flaps
modification in which the inferior flap width allows fixing the upper flaps with
two sutures laterally to limit central tension46, or the crossed dermal flaps that lead to
bulkiness and unevenness both at the “T”-junction and along the
transverse suture line45,
preservation of de-epithelialized dermal flaps as we are describing at the
entire lower border of the medial and lateral pillars, allows secure skin
closure without tension at the “T”-junction and the horizontal
suture line by shifting the tension deep with even distribution using several
anchoring sutures to the chest wall.
CONCLUSION
The key to a good mastopexy or breast reduction design is understanding what the
chosen method can offer. Ultimately, it is based on the patient’s
morphology and the surgeon’s artistry and experience. However,
incorporating a geometrically based and measurable pre-operative marking
certainly offers a great degree of control and consistency. Though this report
is not a structured retrospective study, we can confirm with confidence that
circumvertical “Matryoshka” surgical planning guided by the
user-friendly Wise template is straightforward and easy to learn; it has proven
to be very versatile, applicable to mastopexy, reduction mammoplasty, and
augmentation mastopexy as well as to oncoplastic surgery. Though we prefer a
superior dermoglandular pedicle, it can be applied as well with any type of NAC
pedicle whenever deemed necessary.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
EBM level IV: Evidence obtained from multiple time series with or without the
intervention, such as case studies. Dramatic results in uncontrolled trials
might also be regarded as this type of evidence.
REFERENCES
1. Fahmy FS, Hemington-Gorse SJ. The sitting, oblique, and supine
marking technique for reduction mammaplasty and mastopexy. Plast Reconstr Surg.
2006 Jun;117(7):2145-51.
2. Hall-Findlay EJ, Shestak KC. Breast reduction. Plast Reconstr Surg.
2015 Oct;136(4):531e-44e.
3. Hansen JE. Avoiding the unfavorable outcome with wise pattern breast
reduction. Clin Plast Surg. 2016 Apr;43(2):349-58.
4. Davison SP, Mesbahi AN, Ducic I, Sarcia M, Dayan J, Spear SL. The
versatility of the superomedial pedicle with various skin reduction patterns.
Plast Reconstr Surg. 2007 Nov;120(6):1466-76.
5. Wamalwa AO, Stasch T, Nangole FW, Khainga SO. Surgical anatomy of
reduction mammaplasty: a historical perspective and current concepts. S Afr J
Surg. 2017 Mar;55(1):22-8.
6. Castro CC, Coelho RFS, Cintra HP. The value of non-prefixed marking
in reduction mammoplasty. Aesthetic Plast Surg.
1984;8(4):237-24.
7. Guridi R, Rodriguez JR. A step-by-step approach to a successful
cosmetic breast reduction. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2019
Apr;7(4):e2117.
8. Rohrich RJ, Thornton JF, Jakubietz RG, Jakubietz MG, Grünert
JG. The limited scar mastopexy: current concepts and approaches to correct
breast ptosis. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2004 Nov;114(6):1622-30.
9. Hall-Findlay EJ. Vertical breast reduction. Semin Plast Surg. 2004
Aug;18(3):211-24.
10. Hammond DC, Kim K. The short scar periareolar inferior pedicle
reduction mammaplasty: management of complications. Clin Plast Surg. 2016
Apr;43(2):365-72.
11. Benelli L. A new periareolar mammaplasty: the “round
block” technique. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 1990
Spring;14(2):93-100.
12. Zavrides H. The classic Pitanguy technique and its modifications in
mammaplasty: ten years of experiences. Ann Plast Surg. 2017 Nov;79(5):433-7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/SAP.0000000000001145
13. Baran CN, Peker F, Ortak T, Sensöz O, Baran NK.
Unsatisfactory results of periareolar mastopexy with or without augmentation and
reduction mammoplasty: enlarged areola with flattened nipple. Aesthetic Plast
Surg. 2001 Jul/Aug;25(4):286-9.
14. Cho BC, Yang JD, Baik BS. Periareolar reduction mammoplasty using an
inferior dermal pedicle or a central pedicle. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg.
2008;61(3):275-81.
15. Becker DB. The Paisley pattern breast reduction. Plast Surg (Oakv).
2019 May;27(2):189-94.
16. Atiyeh BS, Rubeiz MT, Hayek SN. Refinements of vertical scar
mammaplasty: circumvertical skin excision design with limited inferior pole
subdermal undermining and liposculpture of the inframammary crease. Aesthetic
Plast Surg. 2005 Nov/Dec;29(6):519-31.
17. Penn J. Breast reduction. Br J Plast Surg. 1955
Jan;7(4):357e-71e.
18. Wise RJ. A preliminary report of a method of planning the
mammaplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1956 May;17(5):367-75.
19. Atiyeh B, Chahine F. Metrics of the ideal breast. Aesthetic Plast
Surg. 2018 Dec;42(5):1187-94.
20. Lazarus D. A new template-goniometer for marking the wise keyhole
pattern of reduction mammaplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1998
Jan;101(1):171-3.
21. Strombeck JO. Report of a new technique based on the two-pedicle
procedure. Br J Plast Surg. 1960 Apr;13:79-90.
22. Pitanguy I. Surgical treatment of breast hypertrophy. Br J Plast
Surg. 1967 Jan;20(1):78-85.
23. McKissock PK. Reduction mammaplasty with a vertical dermal flap.
Plast Reconstr Surg. 1972 Mar;49(3):245-52.
24. Robbins TH. A reduction mammoplasty with the areola-nipple based on
an inferior dermal pedicle. Plast Reconstr Surg.
1977;59(1):64-7.
25. Courtiss EH, Goldwyn RM. Reduction mammaplasty by the inferior
pedicle technique. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1977 Apr;59(4):500-7.
26. Lassus C. A 30-year experience with vertical mammaplasty. Plast
Reconstr Surg. 1996;97(2):373-80.
27. Foustanos A, Panagiotopoulos K, Skouras G. Intraoperative
modification of Pitanguy technique of reduction mammaplasty for elevation of the
nipple-areola complex in case of severe breast ptosis. Aesthetic Plast Surg.
2011 Feb;35(1):55-60.
28. Lejour M. Vertical mammaplasty and liposuction of the breast. Plast
Reconstr Surg. 1994 Jul;94(1):100-14.
29. Van Thienen CE. Areolar vertical approach (AVA)mammaplasty:
Lejour’s technique evolution. Clin Plast Surg. 2002
Jul;29(3):365-77.
30. Lista F, Ahmad J. Vertical scar reduction mammaplasty: a 15-year
experience including a review of 250 consecutive cases. Plast Reconstr Surg.
2006 Jun;117(7):2152-65;discussion:2166-9.
31. Ahmad J, Lista F. Vertical scar reduction mammaplasty: the fate of
nipple-areola complex position and inferior pole length. Plast Reconstr Surg.
2008 Apr;121(4):1084-91.
32. Poëll JG. Vertical reduction mammaplasty. Aesthetic Plast
Surg. 2004 Mar/Apr;28(2):59-69.
33. Gumus N, Coban YK, Demyrkiran MS. Vertical mammaplasty marking using
the key hole pattern. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2006
Mar/Apr;30(2):239-46;discussion:247-8.
34. Hidalgo DA. Improving safety and aesthetic results in inverted T
scar breast reduction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1999
Mar;103(3):874-86;discussion:887-9.
35. Lazarus D. A new template-goniometer for marking the wise keyhole
pattern of reduction mammaplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1998
Jan;101(1):171-3.
36. Bitik O, Hakan U. Analysis of lower breast pole length and
nipple-areola complex position following superior pedicle, short horizontal scar
breast reduction Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2016;40(5):690-8.
37. Ramirez OM. Reduction mammoplasty with the “owl”
incision and no undermining. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2002
Feb;109(2):512-22;discussion:523-4.
38. Gulyás G. Combination of the vertical and periareolar
mammaplasty. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 1996 Sep/Oct;20(5):369-75.
39. Mottura AA. Circumvertical reduction mammaplasty. Clin Plast Surg.
2002 Jul;29(3):393-9.
40. Mottura AA. Circumvertical reduction mastoplasty: new
considerations. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2003 Mar/Apr;27(2):85-93.
41. Swanson E. Periareolar augmentation/mastopexy: how does it measure
up?. Aesthetic Surg J. 2019 Oct;39(11):NP452-NP4.
42. Spear SL, Kassan M, Little JW. Guidelines in concentric mastopexy.
Plast Reconstr Surg. 1990 Jun;85(6):961-6.
43. Davison SP, Spear SL. Simultaneous breast augmentation with
periareolar mastopexy. Semin Plast Surg. 2004
Aug;18(3):189-201.
44. Khalil HH, Malahias M, Shetty G. Triangular lipodermal flaps in Wise
pattern reduction mammoplasty (superomedial pedicle): a novel technique to
reduce T-junction necrosis. Plast Surg (Oakv).
2016;24(3):191-4.
45. De la Plaza R, De la Cruz L, Moreno C, Soto L. The crossed dermal
flaps technique for breast reduction. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2004
Nov/Dec;28(6):383-92.
46. Domergue S, Ziade M, Lefevre M, Prud’homme A, Yachouh J.
Dermal flaps in breast reduction: prospective study in 100 breasts. J Plast
Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2014 Jun;67(6):e147-50.
47. Akhtar S, Whittaker I, Fourie LA. A novel tension-reducing suture to
protect the T-junction after reduction mammaplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2007
Apr;119(4):1386-7.
48. Hamdi M, Chahine F, Alharami S, Baerdemaeker R, Hendrickx B, Zeltzer
A. The 10-year experience with volume distribution mastopexy: a novel, safe, and
efficient method for breast rejuvenation. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2021
May;148(1):55-64.
1. American University of Beirut Medical Center,
Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
2. Institute Sirio Libanês Hospital, Sao
Paulo, SP, Brazil.
3. Trad Hospital and Medical Center, Beirut,
Beirut, Lebanon.
Corresponding author: Fadl Chahine,
Trad Hospital and Medical Center, Beirut - Lebanon, E-mail:
Fadel@Chahine.md
Article received: May 17, 2020.
Article accepted: July 14, 2021.
Conflicts of interest: none.
Institution: American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut,
Lebanon.