Nipple/Infra-Mammary Fold Distance: An Indicator for Aesthetic Outcome in Reduction Mammaplasty

Abstract

Background: Reduction mammaplasty became one ofthe most common performed procedures by plastic surgeons.Despite the diversity of the techniques that can be utilized toachieve aesthetically pleasant results, the final outcome notusually depends only on the shape but also on the quality oflife following the surgery.Objective: High lighting the importence of N/IMF distanceto assess the results of outcome of breast reduction.Material and Methods: N/IMF distance was determinedaccording to Tibbetts criteria; the distance is proportional tobreast width (0.6 the width, not more than 10cm). The distancewas measured on maximally stretched skin in inferior pedicleflap reduction and mastopexy procedures, while the distancewas measured in relaxed standing position in superior or supero-medial pedicle flaps reductions, in order to anticipate theamount of lower pole stretch following the surgery.Results: One hundred fifty eligible participants who underwentreduction mammaplasty were included in our study.Only 132 participants (88%) had completed the subjectivequestionnaire as well as completed the objective assessment aswell. The patient’s subjective satisfaction was good in 63.3%of patients. Regarding the objective assessment both breastswere symmetrical in 75.3%, perfect size to torso in 68% ofpatients & well contoured in 69.3% of patients.Conclusion: The proportions between the N/IMF distanceand the patient’s breast measurements and topography havegreat necessity to patient satisfaction and should be taken intoconsideration when planning a reduction mammaplasty.