Reduction mammoplasty techniques in post-bariatric patients: our experience

Susanna Polotto; Michele P. Grieco; Francesco Simonacci; Nicolò Bertozzi; Federico Marchesi; Eugenio Grignaffini; Edoardo Raposio

doi:10.23750/abm.v88i2.5085

Reduction mammoplasty techniques in post-bariatric patients: our experience

Authors

Susanna Polotto Department of Surgical Sciences, Plastic Surgery Division, University of Parma, Parma, Italy Cutaneous, Regenerative, Mininvasive and Plastic Surgery Unit, Parma University Hospital, Italy
Michele P. Grieco Department of Surgical Sciences, Plastic Surgery Division, University of Parma, Parma, Italy Cutaneous, Regenerative, Mininvasive and Plastic Surgery Unit, Parma University Hospital, Italy
Francesco Simonacci Department of Surgical Sciences, Plastic Surgery Division, University of Parma, Parma, Italy Cutaneous, Regenerative, Mininvasive and Plastic Surgery Unit, Parma University Hospital, Italy
Nicolò Bertozzi Department of Surgical Sciences, Plastic Surgery Division, University of Parma, Parma, Italy Cutaneous, Regenerative, Mininvasive and Plastic Surgery Unit, Parma University Hospital, Italy
Federico Marchesi Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of General Surgical Clinics and Surgical Therapy, Parma University Medical School, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
Eugenio Grignaffini Department of Surgical Sciences, Plastic Surgery Division, University of Parma, Parma, Italy Cutaneous, Regenerative, Mininvasive and Plastic Surgery Unit, Parma University Hospital, Italy
Edoardo Raposio Department of Surgical Sciences, Plastic Surgery Division, University of Parma, Parma, Italy Cutaneous, Regenerative, Mininvasive and Plastic Surgery Unit, Parma University Hospital, Italy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v88i2.5085

Keywords:

Breast reshaping, post-bariatric surgery, breast reduction

Abstract

Background and aim of the work: Excessive body weight represents a huge problem affecting a wide part of world population, causing significant physical and psychological consequences. To solve their obesity-related problems, patients should begin a bariatric treatment to lose an adequate percentage of their body mass and therefore, they should be subjected to body contouring surgery. In this article we describe our experience in applying breast remodeling techniques to post-bariatric patients.

Methods: We did a retrospective study on our post-bariatric patients subjected to breast reduction and/or mastopexy during a five-years period, considering breast features, kind of surgery performed, aesthetic and psychological outcomes and postoperative complications.

Results: Thirty-six post-bariatric patients underwent breast surgery in our unit between 2010 and 2015; their average age was 43 years. The follow up period ranged from 6 months to 4 years and an half. The most frequent surgical techniques performed were Thorek and inferior pedicle breast reduction. The prevalent complications observed were surgical wound delayed healing and nipple-areolar complex (NAC) partial or complete necrosis as immediate ones and unfavorable scarring as delayed ones.

Conclusions: Breast reshaping after a massive loss of weight should be forerun by an accurate analysis of breast volume, shape and ptosis degree, in order to obtain optimal results both for the surgeon and the patient.