The technique of B-, S-, or W-reduction mammaplasty in the conservative therapy of breast carcinomas: experiences with a new surgical technique.

In 62 women with carcinomas of the breast and large and/or ptotic breasts, quadrantectomy as tumour resection with a wide tumour-free margin was combined with individually adapted reduction mammaplasty with B-, S-, or W-shaped incisions based on the B-plasty according to Regnauld. Though 25 carcinomas (40%) were larger than 2 cm and were situated mainly in the upper quadrants, in more than 75% of the cases the cosmetic results were good or very good. In eight cases a subsequent operation (secondary mastectomy, correction of nipple positions or a contralateral reduction) was necessary. Recurrence has not been observed so far. The techniques described allow symmetric breast reduction with removal of large amount of tissue regardless of tumour localization.