Reduction mammaplasty with a sliding nipple technique.

Ninety-four consecutive patients (19 who underwent mastopexy, and 75 who underwent reduction mammaplasty) were reviewed. They had all been operated on using a sliding manoeuvre for transfer of the nipple-areola complex on its underlying parenchyma, which has been in use for reduction mammaplasty in our unit since 1978. This makes it possible to slide the nipple-areola complex on the glandular tissue by making incisions in the de-epithelialised dermal zone on both sides of the areola, and leaving a dermal bridge above. The technique increases the mobility of the nipple-areola complex without jeopardising the blood supply, and is a combination of horizontal and superior pedicle techniques. The patients had been followed up for three to six months, except for five who had been followed up for five to six years. Minor early complications occurred in two patients. The sliding nipple technique is applicable to most types of mammary ptosis and hypertrophy, except those with a sclerotic and stiff parenchyma.