Turk Plastik, Rekonstruktif ve Estetik Cerrahi Dergisi, vol.20, no.2, pp.19-22, 2012 (Scopus)
Introduction: Breast reduction is listed among the most commonly performed operations in plastic surgery. Even so, many different techniques, pedicles, scars and approaches have been defined. A retrospective study was undertaken in our clinic to evaluate the changes in techniques and approach within the last decade. Material and Methods: For this purpose, all breast reductions surgeries performed within 2001, 2006 and 2010 were evaluated. After the demographic data was collected, a technical evaluation was done to determine the choice of pedicle, the choice of scar, and scar preference according to the pedicle in the three different time frames. Results: A total of 40 reduction mammoplasty cases were performed during 2001, while this number was 107 for 2006, and 168 for 2010. The surgical team was similar regarding the three time frames. In 2001, the main choice in pedicle was the inferior pedicle while the Wise pattern was the preferred scar of choice. In 2006, the superomedial pedicle was also highly preferred alongside the inferior pedicle while the choice in scar was the same. In 2010, the superomedial-lateral pedicles were the dominant choice in technique while there was an increase in verticolateral scars. Conclusions: Breast reduction surgeries are among the most versatile operations in plastic surgery. The reason behind this versatility is the different advantages and disadvantages that come with each technique. Furthermore, the more experienced the surgeon gets, the more likely they note these disadvantages and start to look for ways to overcome them. We believe that the changes in the three different time frames are reflective of this development.