Evaluation of the L-shaped scar-reducing mastoplasty technique for breast hypertrophies

Background: Many surgeons have attempted to develop techniques to reduce the scarring resulting from mastoplasty, particularly in cases undergoing nonreducing mastopexy. The aim of this study was to evaluate an L-shaped scar-reducing mastoplasty technique used for grade II or higher mammary hypertrophies, according to the rating system of Berrocal Revueltas. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 70 patients who underwent L-shaped scarreducing mastoplasty between April 2007 and March 2011. We included patients with Berrocal Revueltas grades II and III breast hypertrophy and gigantomastia. The surgical technique involved marking of the skin both at the beginning of surgery as well as during the surgery after the formation of the new breast cone. We evaluated the complications encountered. The quality of the results was assessed by 4 full members of the Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica (Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Results: The mean patient age was 32.9 years and 62.9% of patients were overweight. The average weight of resected tissue was 718.7 g in the right breast and 713.5 g in the left breast. Among the patients, hematoma (1.4%), seroma (2.9%), epidermolysis (1.4%), keloids (1.4%), hypertrophic scar (2.9%), and excess skin (5.7%) were noted, and the surgical reoperation rate was 8.6%. The evaluators assessed breast shape, breast symmetry, elevation of the nippleareola complex, and scar appearance, which were considered very good (rating of 9-10) in 78.6%, 82.1%, 96.4%, and 67.9% of cases, respectively. Conclusions: The L-shaped scarreducing mastoplasty technique was effective for the treatment of large breast hypertrophy.