Mammographic changes after reduction mammoplasty.

Mammograms obtained in 24 patients after reduction mammoplasty were reviewed retrospectively to define the mammographic findings seen after this procedure. Nine characteristics were found. The most frequent findings were skin thickening and retraction of the lower portion of the breast, transposition of breast parenchyma from a high to a low position, and a high nipple. The image characteristics were then correlated with the surgical type of mammoplasty performed, that is, dermal transposition of the nipple vs full-thickness nipple-areolar graft. All patients who had dermal transposition had complete or partial preservation of continuity between the subareolar ducts and the nipple. Patients who had nipple-areolar grafts showed either disruption of the subareolar ducts or very fatty breasts without visible ductal tissue. Reduction mammoplasty produces characteristic and predictable mammographic changes.