Pedicle De-epithelialization in Reduction Mammoplasty: A Systematic Review of the Literature

The Oxygen Therapy Tube as a Tool for Breast Squeezing during Pedicle De-epithelialization in Reduction Mammaplasty

During breast reduction, pedicle de-epithelialization, as meticulous as possible, is necessary to ensure satisfying breast sculpting and to avoid any epidermoid cyst. To perform an effective and rapid de-epithelialization, a good tension of the skin is mandatory. Several techniques to improve skin tension of the breast are described in the literature. We report a cheap, effective, and easily reproducible method, based on the use of an oxygen tube with nasal cannula.

Deskinning in Inverted-T Mastopexy and Augmentation Mastopexy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Most surgeons choose to de-epithelialize when performing a mastopexy to minimize the risk of nipple-areola-complex (NAC) necrosis. Preservation of the dermis and thus the subdermal plexus is thought to be crucial for the survival of the NAC. However, this has never been scientifically proven. Deskinning involves resection of the epidermis and the dermis and is a timesaving alternative to de-epithelialization. In this study, we present data from mastopexy patients with or without implant surgery with total deskinning of the Wise pattern.

METHODS

From September 2012 to March 2020, a single surgeon performed all inverted-T mastopexies using the deskinning technique. The patients were included retrospectively, and data were collected by reviewing the patients' medical records with emphasis on NAC necrosis.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 274 consecutive patients who underwent bilateral mastopexy. Of these, 134 patients underwent mastopexy as the only procedure and 140 patients underwent mastopexy in combination with implant surgery. The median follow-up was 29 months (IQR 13-40 months). No complete NAC-necrosis occurred. Unilateral, partial NAC necrosis occurred in three patients who underwent mastopexy in combination with implant surgery.

CONCLUSION

The NAC necrosis rate following inverted-T mastopexy using the deskinning technique is comparable to the rate of NAC-necrosis reported in the literature following mastopexy using the de-epithelialization technique. Our findings support that the use of deskinning is a safe and time-efficient method for patients undergoing inverted-T mastopexy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

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Basic Oncoplastic Surgery for Breast Conservation: Tips and Techniques

BACKGROUND

The demand for oncoplastic breast surgery has increased significantly in recent years. However, these procedures are often not taught in standard training for breast surgeons, and a simple guide for surgeons to start performing basic oncoplastic breast surgery techniques is not available.

METHODS

The basic concepts of oncoplastic breast surgery and the tools needed prior to starting these types of procedures are discussed, and the procedure, in a stepwise pattern, for the building blocks of oncoplastic techniques is outlined.

RESULTS

The importance of oncoplastics from a quality of life and oncologic standpoint are described. Key concepts are defined and the decision on when it is necessary to consult reconstructive plastic surgery is delineated. The basic necessities for oncoplastic breast surgery, including patient photographs, important intraoperative tools, anatomic knowledge, and patient selection, are discussed. The building block procedures include aesthetic scar placement, parenchymal closure, deepithelialization, and donut therapeutic mastopexy, which are described in detail.

CONCLUSIONS

Oncoplastic breast surgery techniques and clinical reasoning build on one another, allowing a surgeon to move from level I to level II oncoplastic procedures. Even the most basic level I breast conservation oncoplastic skills can improve a patient's cosmetic outcome and are easily learned by a general surgeon.