Management of Recurrent or Persistent Macromastia

Clin Plast Surg. 2016 Apr;43(2):383-93. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2015.12.004. Epub 2016 Feb 11.

Abstract

Recurrent or persistent macromastia can occur after breast reduction. This may be due to inadequate primary volume reduction, poor postoperative shape, and breast or nipple-areola complex asymmetry. Postpartum breast changes, weight change, and aging can also contribute to recurrent macromastia. The concern in these cases is the altered blood supply to the nipple-areola complex and the safety of nipple-areola complex transposition. Literature on the safety of repeated breast reduction is limited with conflicting approaches. This article discusses an approach to recurrent or persistent macromastia and outlines a modified breast reduction technique that is safe in cases of repeated breast reduction.

Keywords: Breast reduction; Complication; Mammary hypertrophy; Pedicle; Recurrent; Reduction mammaplasty; Revision; Vertical scar.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast / abnormalities*
  • Breast / pathology
  • Breast / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy / etiology
  • Hypertrophy / pathology
  • Hypertrophy / surgery*
  • Mammaplasty / adverse effects
  • Mammaplasty / methods*
  • Nipples / surgery
  • Recurrence

Supplementary concepts

  • Gigantomastia