Research Article
Changes in Patient Reported Nipple Sensation after Superomedial Pedicle Reduction Mammaplasty in the Early Postoperative Period
David A. Mateo de Acosta Andino1, Brett Melnikoff2, Kelsey Kennedy3, Sarah Balladares3,
Wilson Delaney3, Jorge de la Torre1 and Sherry S. Collawn1*
1Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
2Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
3Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, USA
*Corresponding author: Sherry S. Collawn, Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Published: 15 Nov, 2017
Cite this article as: de Acosta Andino DAM, Melnikoff B,
Kennedy K, Balladares S, Delaney
W, de la Torre J, et al. Changes in
Patient Reported Nipple Sensation
after Superomedial Pedicle
Reduction Mammaplasty in the Early
Postoperative Period. Clin Surg. 2017;
2: 1726.
Abstract
Background: The sensitivity of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) is important to patients
undergoing reduction mammaplasty and is frequently altered postoperatively.
Objective: Our aim was to evaluate NAC sensitivity as perceived by the patients, after superomedial
pedicle reduction mammaplasty (SPRM), and its relationship to preoperative breast size, nipple to
sternal-notch distance (NN), and total resection volume.
Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database
of SPRMs in an 8-year period. We identified 133 patients, with 48 (96 NACs) having documented
postoperative NAC sensitivity reports in their early postoperative course. Pre and post-operative
NN, bra size and specimen weight were analyzed.
Results: Thirty-six patients (66 NACs-68.7%) reported unchanged NAC sensation, 9 patients (16
NACs-16.6%) reported decreased sensation, and 7 patients (12 NACs-12.5%) reported improved
sensation. The average preoperative NN in the patients with decreased sensation was 33.8 cm with
an average of 521.8 g resected. Patients with improved NAC sensation had average preoperative NN
of 31 cm and an average 450.2 g resected. The preoperative NN in those patients with unchanged
sensation was 32.6 cm with an average of 567.5 g resected. Preoperative cup size positively influenced
nipple sensation (p=0.001) while resected breast volume (p=0.2) and postoperative cup size (p=0.76)
had no influence on nipple sensation.
Conclusion: Patients that underwent SPRM exhibited 81.2% preserved or improved NAC sensitivity.
Preoperative NN, postoperative NN and final specimen weight did not impact NAC sensitivity.
Larger preoperative bra size correlated with decreased postoperative NAC sensation after SPRM.
Introduction
Reduction mammaplasty is a safe and effective method of increasing quality of life by alleviating
pain and improving aesthetics for women with macromastia [1]. Symptomatic macromastia
is a common problem, with patients noting back, neck, and shoulder pain, inframammary fold
dermatitis, difficulty with exercise and sleeping, headache, and a host of psychological consequences
[1]. Breast reduction improves quality of life in numerous ways. A survey of 178 breast reduction
patients reported that 95% of participants surveyed were pleased with the results of their reduction
mammaplasty, noting improved quality of life independent of tissue mass removed [2]. Maintenance
of nipple-areolar complex (NAC) sensitivity is an important consideration in reduction
mammoplasties. Nipple sensation is a significant component of a woman’s psychological and sexual
well-being, and loss of sensation is a possible complication of surgery [3]. The components of NAC
sensation that appear to be most significant to preserve are light touch and erectile function [4].
Changes in nipple sensation are primarily evaluated through patients’ subjective perceptions.
Alterations to NAC sensation are affected by surgical technique. The superomedial pedicle
reduction mammaplasty (SPRM) technique has gained popularity and shown consistent and easily
reproducible outcomes [5]. SPRM is safe, fast, and adaptable, with aesthetically pleasing results [6].
Despite growing popularity, little recent research exists on the effect of the superomedial pedicle technique on NAC sensation. Studies that do exist show rates of unchanged nipple sensation ranging from 33% in one study to 98%
in another [7,8]. In order to help fill a gap in the literature, this study
will evaluate patients’ perceived nipple sensation following SPRM
and evaluate whether nipple to sternal-notch (NN) measurements,
pre- and post-operative bra size, and total resection volume affect this
sensitivity.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Patients and Methods
A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database
of patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty at the University of
Alabama, Birmingham was performed. SPRM was uniformly utilized
in all patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty. The surgical
procedures were performed by a single plastic surgeonδδ within
an academic practice. Surgical technique was selected based on
patients’ individual characteristics and surgeon preference; therefore,
randomization was not a part of the study design. Exclusion criteria
eliminated patients with a medical history of breast surgery, including
biopsy that could have affected the sensory supply. The inclusion
criteria were broadly based in order to include the wide range of
breast reduction candidates, fulfilling our goal of developing sensory
evidence for the expansive spectrum of breast reduction candidates.
Informed consent and photography consent forms were reviewed
and approved by the Institutional Review Board, following Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines.
One hundred thirty-three patients met the initial inclusion
criteria. Forty-eight patients with 96 Nipple Areolar Complexes
(NAC) had complete documentation of their perceived NAC
sensitivity. Pre- and post-operative NN measurements, bra sizes and
specimen weights were analyzed.
Forty-eight patients completed preoperative and postoperative
verbal questionnaires. Questionnaires queried reasons for seeking
reduction, personal perceptions of baseline breast sensitivity and the
importance of breast sensation to the patient. Questions regarding
patient perceived changes in sensation of the breast and nipples
after reduction mammaplasty were analyzed. Factors included in
the analyses were nipple to sternal-notch distances, pre- and postoperatively
reported cup sizes, patient weights, body mass indices
(BMI), and reduction mammaplasty specimen weights.
Surgical Technique
The SPRM technique utilized herein has been previously
illustrated [9]. Preoperative markings are placed, marking the sternal
notch to nipple lines, chest midline, inframammary folds, each breast
meridian, and the proposed skin resection pattern. The patient is
brought to the operating room, intubated and prepared and draped in
the usual sterile fashion. The Mammostat is placed after the breast is
infiltrated with local anesthetic. Incisions are made and the dissection
follows with medial superior pedicle de-epithelialization, followed by
resection of breast parenchyma.
The inferior skin flaps are thinned and the pedicle/NAC are
transposed superiorly and suture suspended to the pectoralis fascia
[9]. The breast is then shaped through approximation of the medial
and lateral vertical pillars of the breast using intraparenchymal pillar
sutures and the skin is closed. Surgical skin adhesive is used on all the
incisions. Patients are allowed to shower in 3 to 4 days and seen back
in clinic within one week.
Statistical Analysis
Analyzed data included demographic information, pre- and postoperative
breast measurements, patients’ perceived nipple and areolar
sensation changes at one week and four weeks postoperatively, as well
as presence of complications.
IBM SPSS Statistics (IBM Corporation Armonk, NY) was used
to perform statistical analyses. A T-test was used to examine the
relationship between surgical mammaplasty specimen mass removed
and NAC sensation. Chi-squared testing was used to analyze the
relationship between NAC sensation and pre-operative bra size. Oneway
ANOVA analysis was used to examine the relationship between
pre-operative bra size and mammaplasty specimen mass.
Results
Forty-eight of 133 patients (96 NACs) that underwent SPRM
during the study period qualified for the study and responded
preoperative and postoperative questionnaires on their perceived
nipple and areolar sensation. The mean age at the time of the reduction
was 37 years of age. Thirty-six patients with 66 NACs, representing
68.7% of the study population, reported unchanged NAC sensation.
Nine patients with a total of 16 NACs, representing 16.6% of the
study population reported decreased NAC sensation and 7 patients with a total of 12 NACs, representing 12.5% of the study population
reported improved sensation postoperatively. Of note, even though
two patients in the group of 133 had the complication of skin loss on
the lower breast following infection, these patients had 100% survival
of the NAC complexes. There was no loss of the NAC in this series
of patients.
The average preoperative sternal notch to nipple distance (NN)
in those patients who reported decreased NAC sensation was 33.82
cm. Patients with improved NAC sensation had average preoperative
NN of 31 cm while those with unchanged NAC sensation had an
average NN of 32.6 cm. The average weight of the mammaplasty
specimen across all patients was 538.11 g (201 g to 1226 g). The
average weight of the mammaplasty specimen in the patients with
reported decreased NAC sensation was 521.8 g, while those patients
reporting an improved NAC sensation had an average specimen
weight of 450.2 g. The patients who reported unchanged NAC
sensation had an average resected weight of 567.5 g. Statistical
analysis showed that neither NN (p=0.52) nor resected specimen
weight (p=0.2) (Figure 1) significantly influenced the postoperative
patient reported NAC sensation. Preoperative cup size was similar
in the three groups of reported outcomes. The mean preoperative
cup size was DD and DDD, ranging from C to K. This did not
directly correlate with the weight of the removed specimen (Figure
2). Analysis with Chi Squared test showed that preoperative cup size
positively influenced nipple sensation (p=0.001) (Figure 3) while
postoperative cup size (p=0.76) had no influence on nipple sensation.
The NAC sensation was preserved or improved in 80.2% of all the
study population postoperatively. The patients exhibit good breast
shape and projection postoperatively. Representative patient photos
are shown in Figures 4 and 5.
The average follow up of our study was 24 months after breast
reduction, ranging from 1 month to 32 months. The verbal assessment
of the patients perceived sensation changes was performed during the
first and second postoperative visits at 1 and 4 weeks.
Figure3
Discussion
The SMP reduction mammaplasty is a safe and reliable technique
for the management of macromastia. It preserves the integrity of the
NAC keeping a full-thickness pedicle that rotates up into position
with suture suspension from the pectoralis fascia without the need
for subsequent thinning. This maintains the blood supply on the
dominant medially based perforator vessels of the internal thoracic
artery, reducing the risk of nipple necrosis and improves venous
drainage of the NAC as well. The technique also carries a limited need
to undermine the skin laterally and medially for a final result of a
fuller shaped breast with improved long-term projection. The vertical
pillar sutures used in this technique; act as additional support to the
breast.
Loss of sensation of the nipple is well-known complication of
reduction mammaplasty with some reduction techniques associated
with a higher incidence of NAC sensation changes than others. In
1999, when describing the medial pedicle technique, Hall-Findlay
concluded that the sensation of the NAC remained unchanged and
compared favorably against the inferior pedicle technique [10].
Sensation of the NAC is difficult to determine in a routine clinical
setting. Several studies using the PSSD method (Sensory Management
Services, LLC, Baltimore, MD), have illustrated changes in NAC
sensation very elegantly [4,11,12]. However, it is our belief that the
patient’s subjective report is most important. Published reports
concerning potential alteration of breast sensitivity after reduction
mammaplasty have produced conflicting results regarding the area of
the breast that was most sensitive and whether breast size influences
sensation. Many of these discrepancies may be attributed to the use of
the Semmes-Weinstein tool, viewed by many as crude and unreliable
[11-13].
The skin overlying the breast contains specialized sensory
dendrites of the dorsal root ganglion cells. Sensory stimulation is
conducted toward the spinal cord via the second to sixth intercostal nerves. More specifically, the territory of the anterior branches of the
lateral cutaneous nerves typically include the lateral breast skin while
the medial branches of the anterior cutaneous nerves collect afferent
messages from the skin over the medial breast territory. In addition,
the medial, intermediate, and lateral branches of the supraclavicular
nerves from the cervical plexus innervate the skin over the upper breast
and the fourth intercostal nerve innervates the nipple-areola complex
[14,15]. The deep branch of the lateral fourth intercostal nerve from
the anterolateral intercostal nerve supplies the NAC and can actually
be preserved with a medial pedicle [16], and there is additional nerve
supply to the breast from the anteromedial intercostal nerves (Figure
6). Since the sensory nerve branches diverge away from the breast
from several sources and directions, it seems reasonable to assume
that the multiple surgical techniques used to perform reduction
mammaplasty may alter breast skin sensation in different ways.
Using quantitative measures with the aid of the PSSD method,
Spear et al. [17] reported that nipple sensitivity is uniquely conserved
and returns to baseline by approximately 12 months after reduction
mammaplasty, regardless of the pedicle used. This study reported
that age was the only independent statistically significant factor in
predicting the temporal sequence of return to baseline sensitivities
and the degree of eventual NAC sensation. Patients older than 43
years of age showed a slower return to baseline. Previous reports
[11,13] have theorized that middle-aged patients with hypertrophic
breasts have experienced subclinical long-term trauma to the
intercostal nerves perhaps due to the increased weight and increased
pull by gravity which results in a chronic traction injury. Our study
did not find age to be a factor that statistically influenced the change
of NAC sensation in the early postoperative period.
In this academic practice, the overall breast reduction population
showed a rate of preservation or improvement of the NAC sensation
of 81.2% as reported by the patient during the early postoperative
period. Spear also reported a discrepancy in the temporary return
of NAC sensation as reported by the patient and measure by PSSD
method, although they reported a final across-the-board improvement
in general breast by 6 months postoperatively.
Our study found that NAC sensation, as reported by the patient,
is decreased in the early postoperative period. We found that 81.2%
of the patients, undergoing a SMP reduction mammoplasty have no
change or experience improved sensation during the first and second
postoperative visits, which in our practice are at 7 days and 4 weeks
postoperatively. These findings correlate with previously published
literature, which shows that sensation of the NAC slowly returns to
baseline during the first 12 postoperative months in up to 98% of
patients [17].
Schlenz, using the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament [18]
evaluated breast sensation in 80 patients who underwent reduction
mammaplasty using 5 different dermoglandular pedicle techniques
[4]. This group reported that sensitivity of the NAC was significantly
lower after a superior pedicle reduction than any of the other
techniques. The investigators’ further found that insensate nipples
were only among the superior pedicle group (13%) with NAC
sensation reported as unchanged or improved with the other
techniques, 12 months after surgery. The authors further concluded
that superior-based pedicle techniques were associated with a higher
risk of injury to the nerve branches innervating the nipple-areola
complex [4]. Our group has previously reported experience with SMP
reduction mammaplasty for the management of gigantomastia, with
a rate of preserved NAC sensation of up to 98%, on long term follow
up [8]. It is our intention to continue the follow up of the currently
reported cohort of patients and reevaluate their perceived sensation
further along their postoperative period.
Harbo also evaluated 10 women who had reduction
mammaplasty with an inferior pedicle and found breast sensation
improved or unchanged 1 year after surgery [19] Ferreira evaluated
the NAC sensation in 25 patients before and 6 months after medial
pedicle reduction mammaplasty and found that all 25 women had
a statistically significant decrease in NAC sensation [20]. Reports
continue to be conflicting on the best surgical approach to preserve
NAC sensation after reduction mammaplasty; however, our study
found that in the immediate postoperative period, patients that
undergo SMP reduction mammaplasty have preserved and in some
instances improved NAC sensation in 81.2% of the cases. The specific
surgical approach has traditionally been based on the preference of
the surgeon with or without patient input, breast characteristics, and
concern for cosmetic appearance and placement of incisional scars.
Not until recently, the outcome-based evidence concerning sensitivity
and the best surgical technique for reduction mammaplasty has
become an issue. SMP mammaplasty is a safe technique for all sizes
of reduction, as previously showed by our group. In our experience,
patients will have a preserved or improved sensation in 81.2% of the
cases in the immediate postoperative period.
Studies show that most women seek reduction mammaplasty
to relieve pain in the back, shoulders, and neck, a finding consistent
with the literature [21,22]. Our findings correlate with those of Spear
[17] who reported that, when queried nearly 1 year after their breast
reduction, most patients remembered changes in NAC sensation
in the immediate postoperative period which recovered with time.
It is encouraging to report, that in our experience that change of
sensation occurs in less than 20% of the surveyed patients undergoing
SMP reduction mammaplasty. Our follow up period extended out
to an average of 24 months, however postoperative NAC sensation
was interrogated only in the early postoperative period, thus we
are unable to provide a more extensive outlook of the longer term
sensation changes.
Our study design plan included a single surgeon with a standard
technique, preoperative and postoperative management which
provided homogeneity in our sample size and eliminated confounding
variables.
The authors acknowledge limitations of this study. Our survey
method was embedded in the postoperative care of the patient as part
of the routine carried by the senior authorδδ, with its documentation
in our electronic medical record. The surveys were only performed
and documented early in the postoperative course (one and four
week follow up), preventing us from having a long-term assessment
of NAC sensation changes after SMP reduction mammaplasty.
Nevertheless, our group’s previously published cohort of SMP
reduction mammaplasty for gigantomastia support reports of others
[13,19,23,24].
Our study was unique in evaluating the patient perceived sensation
changes. Spear [17] studied the temporal recovery pattern for breast
sensation following reduction mammaplasty with reproducible data
using the PSSD method to quantitatively evaluate specific changes
and after reduction mammaplasty. While this sort of study has great
merit, we believe that the strength of our study is that it evaluates the
perception of the patient and their satisfaction, in an era and a surgical
subspecialty which values patient satisfaction holding it to the greatest
standards. Our data suggest that NAC sensation after SMP reduction
mammaplasty is decreased in the immediate postoperative period
in less than 20% of the patients. Our previously published data on
SMP reduction mammaplasty for the management of gigantomastia
suggests that sensation returns to its baseline or improves through
the postoperative course [8].Our data further suggest that physicians
must continue to strive on educating or informing patients seeking
reduction mammaplasty on early postoperative changes in sensation
of the NAC.
Figures 4 and 5
Figures 4 and 5
Demonstrate 2 patients’ pre op and post op following
bilateral reduction with a suspended superomedial pedicle.
Figure 6
Conclusion
Patients that underwent SMP reduction mammaplasty had 81.25% preserved or improved NAC sensitivity in the early postoperative period. Preoperative NN, postoperative NN and final specimen weight did not impact NAC sensitivity changes. Larger preoperative cup size correlated with decreased postoperative NAC sensation after SPRM.
Acknowledgement
The artist’s drawing in figure 6 is by Matthew K. Collawn. Permission was obtained to use his artwork in this paper.
References
- Kalliainen LK; ASPS Health Policy Committee. ASPS clinical practice guideline summary on reduction mammaplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2012;130(4):785-9.
- Gonzalez MA, Glickman LT, Aladegbami B, Simpson RL. Quality of life after breast reduction surgery: a 10-year retrospective analysis using the Breast Q questionnaire: does breast size matter? Ann Plast Surg. 2012;69(4):361-3.
- Riccio CA, Zeiderman MR, Chowdhry S, Brooks RM, Kelishadi SS, Tutela JP, et al. Plastic Surgery of the Breast: Keeping the Nipple Sensitive. Eplasty. 2015;15:e28.
- Schlenz I, Rigel S, Schemper M, Kuzbari R. Alteration of Nipple and Areola Sensitivity by Reduction Mammaplasty: A Prospective Comparison of Five Techniques. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2005;115(3):743-51.
- Spear SL, Davison SP, Ducic I. Superomedial pedicle reduction with short scar. Semin Plast Surg. 2004;18(3):203-10.
- Siy R, Khan K, Izaddoost S, Brown R. The Superomedial Pedicle Wise-Pattern Breast Reduction: Reproducible, Reliable, and Resilient. Semin in Plast Surg. 2015;29(02):94-101.
- McCulley SJ, Schaverien MV. Superior and superomedial pedicle wise-pattern reduction mammaplasty: maximizing cosmesis and minimizing complications. Ann Plast Surg. 2009;63(2):128-34.
- Lugo LM, Prada M, Kohanzadeh S, Mesa JM, Long JN, Torre JDL. Surgical Outcomes of Gigantomastia Breast Reduction Superomedial Pedicle Technique. Ann Plast Surg. 2013;70(5):533-7.
- Smithson MG, Collawn SS, Mousa MS, Bramel CM. A Formula for Planning and Predicting Postoperative Mammoplasty Results. Ann Plast Surg. 2017;78(6S Suppl 5):S343-46.
- Hall-Findlay EJ. A simplified vertical reduction mammaplasty: shortening the learning curve. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1999;104(3):748-59.
- Kuzbari R, Schlenz I. Reduction mammaplasty and sensitivity of the nipple-areola complex: sensuality versus sexuality? Ann Plast Surg. 2007;58(1):3-11.
- Hamdi M, Blondeel P, Van de Sijpe K, Van Landuyt K, Monstrey S. Evaluation of nipple-areola complex sensitivity after the latero-central glandular pedicle technique in breast reduction. Br J Plast Surg. 2003;56:360–4.
- Slezak S, Dellon AL. Quantitation of sensibility in gigantomastia and alteration following reduction mammaplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1993;91(7):1265-9.
- Courtiss EH, Goldwyn RM. Breast sensation before and after plastic surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1976;58(1):1-13.
- Farina MA, Newby BG, Alani HM. Innervation of the nipple-areola complex. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1980;66(4):497-501.
- Hall-Findlay EJ, Shestak KC. Breast Reduction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015;136(4):531e-44e.
- Spear M, Nanney L, Phillips S, Donahue R, Rogers KM, Wendel JJ, et al. The Impact of Reduction Mammaplasty on Breast Sensation. An Analysis of Multiple Techniques. Ann Plast Surg. 2012;68:142-9.
- Mofid MM, Dellon AL, Elias JJ, Nahabedian MY. Quantitation of breast sensibility following reduction mammaplasty: a comparison of inferior and medial pedicle techniques. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2002;109:2283–8.
- Harbo SO, Jørum E, Roald HE. Reduction mammaplasty: a prospective study of symptom relief and alterations of skin sensibility. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2003;111(1):103-10.
- Ferreira MC, Costa MP, Cunha MS, Sakae E, Fels KW. Sensibility of the breast after reduction mammaplasty. Ann Plast Surg. 2003;51(1):1-5.
- Chadbourne EB, Zhang S, Gordon MJ, Ro EY, Ross SD, Schnur PL, et al. Clinical outcomes in reduction mammaplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies. Mayo Clin Proc. 2001;76:503–10.
- O'Blenes CA, Delbridge CL, Miller BJ, Pantelis A, Morris SF. Prospective study of outcomes after reduction mammaplasty: long-term follow-up. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006;117(2):351-8.
- Santanelli F, Paolini G, Bittarelli D, Nofroni I. Computer-assisted evaluation of nipple-areola complex sensibility in macromastia and following superolateral pedicle reduction mammaplasty: a statistical analysis. PlastReconstr Surg. 2007;119:1679 –83.
- Nahabedian MY, Mofid MM. Viability and sensation of the nipple-areolar complex after reduction mammaplasty. Ann Plast Surg. 2002;49(1):24-31.