Aim: The preservation of the sensitivity of the nipple-areola complex after reduction mammoplasty is an important goal of the modern surgery. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the differences in the recovery of sensitivity after reduction mammoplasty using different techniques.
Material of study: Using the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament the sensitivity was evaluated in 64 patients undergone to a bilateral reduction mammoplasty: 36 were treated with inferior pedicle technique and 28 with a superior pedicle techniques. The evaluation of the sensitivity was performed in nine points: the nipple, the four quadrants of the areola and the 4 quadrants of the skin around the areola both in the preoperative and at 3 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively.
Results: The major alterations were found in the sensitivity of the nipple: the major deficiencies were seen in women treated with a superior pedicle techniques. Minor differences were found about the sensitivity of the areola and periareolar skin.
Conclusion: The techniques which provide the preparation of a glandular flap with superior pedicle have an increased risk of altering the innervation of the nipple-areola complex. The preparation of a glandular flap with inferior pedicle allows the restoration of the pre-operative sensitivity in 6-12 months.
Key words: Breast sensitivity, Reduction mammoplasty, Sensitivity alteration.