Reduction mammaplasty has now become routine surgery with good results in middle-aged women. However the scars it leaves, its psychological and functional (breastfeeding) impact could limited its indications in teenage girls.
Aim: The purpose of our study was to report the long-term results of reduction mammaplasty in teenage girls and to assess their consequences.
Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 65 reduction mammaplasty carried out between 1981 and 1997 in 15 to 17 years old girls. The study was based on data in their medical records and answers to a questionnaire which was sent to each patient.
Results: Average followup was 8.1 years. The reduction technique with superior pedicle were mainly used. Average breast tissue excised was 1050 g. Minor complications occurred in three cases. Eleven revisions had to be carried out with 1.6 years on average after primary surgery. The psychological and functional complaints observed preoperatively disappeared in more than 90% of the cases. In over 80% of the cases the patients were pleased or very pleased with the shape, the volume kept and the symmetry. Scars were well accepted in 83% of the cases. Seventeen women were given birth to 25 children. Five of whom breast-fed their babies, while six refused because of their breast surgery history. Although information about breast-feeding after such surgery is systematically given, 41 women claimed they had not received it.
Conclusion: Reduction mammaplasty is reliable in teenage girls. Patients are generally satisfied and the remaining scar is well accepted. Breast-feeding is possible after this surgery and information on that point ought to be better developed.