Long-term changes of shape following breast reduction surgery: A retrospective single center study

Introduction: Breast hypertrophy, characterized by abnormal breast enlargement, often leads to chronic neck and back pain. Breast-reduction mammoplasty is commonly performed to alleviate these symptoms and improve breast appearance. Proper preoperative measurements are crucial for satisfactory long-term results. This study aimed to investigate long-term postoperative changes in breast morphology following breast reduction mammoplasty. Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 122 patients who underwent breast reduction mammoplasty at Hannover Medical School between 2011 and 2021. Various pedicle techniques were used, and changes in breast shape and contour were measured from pre- and postoperative photographs using Image J software. Results: A total of 122 female patients (244 breasts) were included. The average postoperative nipple to inframammary fold (N-IF) distance on the right side changed from 142 mm to 72 mm (P<0.0001) at >3 months, 72 mm to 80 mm at 3-6 months, and 80 mm to 85 mm at >1 year. Significant changes in breast shape were observed at all periods (P<0.0001), except between >3 months vs. 3-6 months and 3-6 months vs. >1 year. The mean increase in N-IF distance at >1 year follow-up was 16 mm on the right and 14 mm on the left. The sulcus jugularis to nipple (SN-N) distance increased by 12 mm on the right and 6 mm on the left. The clavicle to nipple (C-NL) distance increased by 16 mm on the right and 14 mm on the left. Conclusions: This study demonstrates satisfactory and stable long-term changes in breast shape post-mammoplasty, aiding surgeons in planning and advising patients on expected outcomes.