Prediction of resection weight in reduction mammaplasty based on anthropometric measurements

Resection Weight Formulas for Reduction Mammoplasty: A Systematic Review and Regression Analysis

PURPOSE

Estimating resection weight for patients undergoing reduction mammoplasty (RM) informs surgical planning and outcomes. Existing formulas have limitations that make insurance coverage and accurate surgical planning challenging. We identified the most commonly used scales to evaluate their accuracy in estimating resection weight by applying them to a database of patients to compare calculated and actual resection weights.

METHODS

A database search was conducted using combinations of relevant terms. A regression analysis was conducted using formulas with strong R2 values (0.72-0.93) on a cohort of 1128 RM patients at a single institution.

RESULTS

A total of 570 articles were identified. Fourteen manuscripts (n = 2232 patients [3320 breasts]) were ultimately included for review. Data on incisional patterns, pedicle supply, and breast measurements, such as sternal notch to nipple distance (n = 8 [57.1%]) or nipple to inframammary fold distance (n = 5 [35.7%]), were recorded. R2 values in our cohort (>500 g, n = 891; <500 g, n = 237) were calculated via regression analyses with five formulas: Appel (0.391 vs 0.146), Boukovalas (0.3552 vs 0.043), Descamps (0.391 vs 0.238), Eder (0.328 vs 0.114), and Kocak (0.3283 vs R2 indeterminate).

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis suggests that formulas reporting strong R2 values may have resulted from tailoring to surgeons' technique. Variation between cohorts is inevitable; however, we expect reliable results given our large sample. It is reasonable to conclude that existing formulas are not accurate representations of resection weights and thus are unreliable for surgical planning.

The "Mosque Tower Pattern" for the Preoperative Marking of Reduction Mammaplasty

Background

Breast reduction, the seventh most performed plastic surgery globally, has witnessed a significant increase in procedures over recent years. Various techniques exist, each with its advantages and complications, emphasizing the critical role of preoperative marking. Although existing literature focuses on different reduction mammaplasty techniques, limited attention is given to surgical preoperative marking. This study introduces a "mosque tower" pattern combined with a superomedial pedicle, aiming to minimize complications and standardize the design based on individualized factors such as patient characteristics and predicted breast reduction weight.

Methods

The retrospective case series includes 103 women who underwent reduction mammaplasty between 2017 and 2020. Surgical marking is described, and complications are recorded. The study categorizes breasts into three groups based on key-hole dimensions, correlating them with predicted resection weight. Statistical analysis establishes a rationale formula for selecting key-hole size.

Results

A total of 175 breasts were reduced in 103 women with an average follow-up of 29.8 months. The mean resection weight was 883 g per breast (range: 490-2531). A complication rate of 8% was observed, with only 2.8% experiencing wound breakdown, notably lower than reported rates in other studies. Key-hole dimension as a predicting variable was correlated significantly with resection weight.

Conclusions

The mosque tower pattern proves to be an effective, safe, and reproducible method for preoperative marking in reduction mammaplasty. The study emphasizes the importance of individualized planning to achieve satisfactory results, particularly for surgeons in their early practice.

Investigation of the Anthropometric Changes in Breast Volume and Measurements After Breast Reduction

Objective

This study aims to compare breast volume changes and other anthropometric measurements by using before and after breast reduction pictures of women who underwent breast reduction operation in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery clinic and by performing measurements from the anatomic points indicated in the literature.

Background

Landmarks (previously identified as anatomic points) that show the success of breast reduction operation are not sufficient. Anthropometric points and their identification are of great importance for choosing the landmarks and identifying the statistical approaches to be used.

Methods

A total of 40 women were measured breast anthropometric measurements in pre- and post-operative breast reduction surgery changes by a photographic technique using Image J programme from the anatomical points determined in the literature. Comparison of right and left breast anthropometric measurements before and after the operation was performed using the paired t test or Wilcoxon signed rank test. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots were used to determine the agreement between each pair of measurements.

Results

There was a statistically significant agreement between all the measurements (p<0.001). According to the Bland-Altman graphics, right and left breast measurements after the operation were within the limits of agreement according to all measurement points.

Conclusion

This study presented anthropometric measurements to show and guide patient satisfaction and aesthetic success of the operations performed by plastic surgeons.

Effects of age and body mass index on breast characteristics: a cluster analysis

Limited research has quantified variation in the characteristics of the breasts among women and determined how these breast characteristics are influenced by age and body mass. The aim of this study was to classify the breasts of women in the community into different categories based on comprehensive and objective measurements of the characteristics of their breasts and torsos, and to determine the effect of age and body mass index on the prevalence of these breast categories. Four breast characteristic clusters were identified (X-Large, Very-ptotic & Splayed; Large, Ptotic & Splayed; Medium & Mildly-ptotic; and Small & Non-ptotic), with age and BMI shown to significantly affect the breast characteristic clusters. These results highlight the difference in breast characteristics exhibited among women and how these clusters are affected by age and BMI. The breast characteristic clusters identified in this study could be used as a basis for future bra designs and sizing systems in order to improve bra fit for women. Practitioner summary: This original research provides evidence for bra designers and manufacturers on the diverse breast characteristics exhibited by women within the population and the significant effect that both body mass index and age have on the breast characteristic clusters. Future bra designs should consider the variation in breast characteristics among women.

ABBREVIATIONS

BMI: Body Mass Index; UBCC: Under-bust chest circumference.

Correlation between nipple elevation and breast resection weight: How to preoperatively plan breast reduction

Breast hypertrophy is often associated with functional limitations. Beyond the aesthetic concerns, breast reduction can improve symptoms and self-esteem. In different countries, health-care system regulations have fixed the threshold for reimbursement in 500 g of predicted tissue resection for each breast. Different preoperative measurements have been proposed to predict breast-tissue weight to be removed, showing a variable correlation with post-operative evaluation. We describe a reliable, simple measurement to predict the quantity of breast reduction in grams, which can be applicable to any surgical technique. A total of 128 patients undergoing bilateral breast reduction were evaluated. The correlation between the preoperative nipple-areola complex (NAC) lift distance and the weight of removed breast tissue was tested with linear regression and Pearson's test. Other anthropometric measurements were tested as a control. The ratio between resected grams and lift distance was explored to find a multiplication coefficient to be used at preoperative planning. The mean resection weight was 686.65 g. The mean NAC-lift distance was 7.6 cm. Positive correlation between the NAC-lift distance and the weight of breast tissue removed was found (r: 0.87; p < 0.001). The mean weight of the removed breast tissue (g) per centimetre of NAC lift was 81 g/cm in the group between 6 and 12 cm and 70 g/cm in the group with >12 cm of lift distance. The NAC-lift distance is a single, objective, repeatable measure that can provide a reliable prediction of breast-tissue grams to be removed; it helps in classifying breast-reduction indications.