Evaluation of Nipple-Areola Circulation in Central Pedicle Mastopexy Patients with Subpectoral Implant Placement: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

[OBJECTIVE] Mastopexy is a procedure which is used in breast lift and reconstruction surgery and requires a small amount of parenchymal resection. In this procedure, the preservation of nipple-areola circulation is vital. The purpose of this study is to evaluate nipple-areola circulation in patients undergoing central pedicle mastopexy with subpectoral implant placement.

[MATERIAL AND METHOD] In this observational quasi-experimental study, data were collected retrospectively from electronic medical records. The perioperative nipple-areola circulation of patients undergoing central pedicle mastopexy with subpectoral implant placement was evaluated by integrated laser Doppler flowmetry. Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance, and Tukey's range tests were used to analyze the data.

[RESULTS] The preoperative, skin dissection, pectoral elevation, implant placement, 24th hour, and 2nd week nipple-areola circulation statuses of each patient who underwent central pedicle mastopexy with subpectoral implant placement were examined using an integrated laser Doppler flowmeter, and the results were compared. At each stage, all measurements were in the range of 1.8-3.6 ml/min/100g. There was no statistically significant difference between the measurement results.

[CONCLUSION] Central pedicle mastopexy with subpectoral implant placement seems highly advantageous in terms of better functionality and aesthetics in the reconstruction of heavy and sagging breasts.

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