Reduction mammoplasty: the experience in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

[BACKGROUND] Reduction mammoplasty is a frequently performed aesthetic surgical procedure in the female adolescent and adult Caucasian population. We reviewed the cases of reduction mammoplasty performed at the Obafemi Awolowo University teaching hospital, (OAUTH), Ile-Ife.

[PATIENTS AND METHODS] A retrospective review of all patients who have had reduction mammoplasty at the OAUTH over a 20 year period was carried out.

[RESULT] Ten patients requested reduction mammoplasty during the period. Two patients declined surgery while one required, and was treated by chemotherapy. Seven patients had surgery. Outcomes were uniformly satisfactory.

[CONCLUSION] We conclude that request for reduction mammoplasty in our surgical practice is uncommon. Request for purely cosmetic reasons is even rarer. Most patients had massive breast enlargements with physical symptoms and gross disfigurement with or without an underlying breast disease which was the usual reason for presentation.