• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.715-717
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• 2011

Purpose: In cases of breast reconstruction with a free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap after skin-sparing mastectomy with nipple-areolar complex (NAC) removal, the flat contour of the flap's skin paddle can easily look unnatural and dissatisfying. Reconstructed NAC on the flap surface lacks the elevated contour that the normal areola possesses, resulting in an unnatural final result. Therefore, we would like to introduce a novel method to improve this problem and report the satisfactory results we obtained. Methods: Operations were conducted on 19 patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction with a free TRAM flap and skin-sparing mastectomy from January 2009 to January 2010, with a mean follow-up of nine months. While the TRAM free flap was being inset, a purse-string suture was carried out on the dermal layer of skin flap to create a slight protrusion with Gore-$Tex^{(R)}$ sutures. Results: The elevated mound surrounding the NAC was well maintained for an average follow-up period of nine months. Nipple projection was also well maintained. There was no complaint about breast contour or nipple height reduction. In addition, there was no reported incidence of other complications. Conclusion: The purse-string suture technique presents a more natural breast silhouette around the NAC and helps to maintain nipple projection. Furthermore, it does not require any supplementary incisions or complicated skills. There has been no report of additional complications using this technique.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.446-452
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• 2015

Background Various techniques are used for performing breast reduction. Wise-pattern and vertical scar techniques are the most commonly employed approaches. However, a vertical scar in the mid-lower breast is prominent and aesthetically less pleasant. In contrast, a semicircular horizontal approach does not leave a vertical scar in the mid breast and transverse scars can be hidden in the inframammary fold. In this paper, we describe the experiences and results of semicircular horizontal breast reductions performed by a single surgeon. Methods Between September 1996 and October 2013, our senior author used this technique in 38 cases in the US and at our institution. We used a superiorly based semicircular incision, where the upper skin paddle was pulled down to the inframammary fold with the nipple-areola complex pulled through the keyhole. Results The average total reduction per breast was 584 g, ranging from 286 to 794 g. The inferior longitudinal pedicle was used in all the cases. The average reduction of the distance from the sternal notch to the nipple was 13 cm (range, 11-15 cm). The mean decrease in the bra cup size was 1.7 cup sizes (range, a decrease of 1 to 3). We obtained very satisfactory results with a less noticeable scar, no complication such as necrosis of the nipple or the skin flap, wound infection, aseptic necrosis of the breast tissue, or wound dehiscence. One patient had a small hematoma that resolved spontaneously. Conclusions This technique is straightforward and easy to learn, and offers a safe, effective, and predictable way for treating mammary hypertrophy.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.51-58
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• 1987

The goal of reduction mammaplasty is a breast with natural contour and volume, aesthetically situated scars, and a well-placed, sensate nipple and areola. The most successful techniques achieve this through the excision of tissue from the lower part of the breast based on some variation. However, the Mckissock's vertical bipedicle technique is the popular method for reduction mammaplasty. As an alternative modified Mckissock's method, we have found the use of only an inferior dermal flap with a keyhole pattern to be a simple and safe method for obtaining satisfactory aesthetic results. We have used inferior dermal flap for 4 patients recently and obtained the advantages as below compare to the Mckissock's method. 1. Rich blood supply to the broad based inferior flap. 2. More easy transposition of the nipple and areola. 3. More good operation field for resection of breast tissue. 4. Short operation time. 5. Can applied to the gigantomastia.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.229-238
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• 2018

Background Nipple-sparing mastectomies (NSMs) are increasingly performed to obtain the best aesthetic and psychological outcomes in breast cancer treatment. However, merely preserving the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) does not guarantee a good outcome. Darkly pigmented NACs and a tendency for poor scarring outcomes are particular challenges when treating Asian patients. Herein, we review the reconstructive outcomes following NSM at Singapore General Hospital. Methods All breasts reconstructed following NSM over an 11-year period from 2005 to 2015 were reviewed. Information was collected from the patients' records on mastectomy indications, operative details, and complications. Patient satisfaction, breast sensation, and aesthetic outcomes were evaluated in 15 patients. Sensation was quantified using the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test. Results A total of 142 NSMs were performed in 133 patients for breast cancer (n=122, 85.9%) or risk reduction (n=20, 14.1%). Of the procedures, 114 (80.2%) were autologous reconstructions, while 27 (19.0%) were reconstructions with implants. Complications occurred in 28 breasts (19.7%), with the most common complication being NAC necrosis, which occurred in 17 breasts (12.0%). Four breasts (2.8%) had total NAC necrosis. The overall mean patient satisfaction score was 3.0 (good). The sensation scores were significantly diminished in the skin envelope, areola, and nipple of breasts that had undergone NSM compared to non-operated breasts (P<0.05). Half of the subset of 15 patients in whom aesthetic outcomes were evaluated had reduced nipple projection. Conclusions Immediate reconstruction after NSM was performed with a low complication rate in this series, predominantly through autologous reconstruction. Patients should be informed of potential drawbacks, including NAC necrosis, reduced nipple projection, and diminished sensation.

• Journal of Korea Foundry Society
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.170-178
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• 2014

Using the Gleeble test, the effects of [Mn/S] ratios and the presence of sulfides on the high-temperature fracture morphology of heavy-section steel castings were analysed via the observations of the microstructures. The specimens for which the [Mn/S] ratio was in the range of 60~80 showed a ductile fracture morphology with an area reduction of more than 60%, while some specimens with similar [Mn/S] ratios showed a brittle fracture morphology with an area reduction of 0.0% due to the liquidation of sulfides at the grain boundary. The fracture morphology was classified into three types in the Gleeble high-temperature tensile test specimens. The first type showed dimple formation at the grain boundary, the formation of globular MnS sulfides, and plastic deformation of sulfides at an elevated temperature, indicating a needle-point type of ductile fracture with area reductions of 96.0~97.8%. The second type was a knife-edge type brittle fracture with an area reduction of 0.0% due to the film-type liquidation of sulfides at the grain boundary, band-type liquidation, and the liquidation of a terraced nipple pattern. The third type was the typical ductile fracture with an area reduction of 31.3~81.0%, in accordance with the mixture of dimples with in the grains and terraced nipple pattern at the grain boundary.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.408-414
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• 2011

Purpose: To correct breast ptosis, reduction mammoplasty and mastopexy have been developed in a way that minimizes complications. Recently, as the mean age of breast cancer occurrence is decreasing, the need for breast reconstruction in patients with breast cancer is rising. If mastopexy is performed with breast reconstruction at the same time, the size of the normal breast and the new one is not quite different. We decided to apply Z-plasty, which is a widely-used technique in plastic surgery to lengthen or change the direction of tension of the tissue. Methods: From March 2008 to December 2009, we performed breast reconstruction in 6 patients with breast cancer and scar contracture. After breast reconstruction, mastopexy with Z-plasty was applied to correct the asymmetry. The new nipple-areolar complex is placed on the line connecting the midclavicle and the current nipple. The inferior border of the new areola corresponds with the inferior border of the original areola, and the superior border about 2 cm upward the original superior border. We drew two oblique lines connecting the medial end of the incision line lower to the nipple-areola complex and the lateral end of the inframammary fold for Z-plasty. The excess tissue between these two lines was removed and the new triangular flaps were put together. Results: The average age of patients was 42.6 years, aged from 36.1 to 48.1 The weight of removed tissue was between 54g and 95 g, with the mean of 74 g. The average distance from the midclavicle to the nipple was 24 cm before surgery, and 21 cm after the surgery. The average operation time per patient (1 mastopexy) was 45 minutes, and the patients were satisfied with the size and shape. Conclusion: Applying Z-plasty for the mastopexy on the normal breast ptosis is a relatively simple way to achieve symmetry in patients who need breast reconstruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.369-372
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• 2022

Reduction mammaplasty is the gold standard treatment for gigantomastia. We report one female patient with juvenile gigantomastia associated with severe pulmonary hypertension where her pulmonary pressure decreased significantly after the surgery, improving her quality of life. A 22-year-old female patient with gigantomastia since 10 years old, tricuspid regurgitation, and pulmonary thromboembolism antecedent was admitted to the emergency department. Her oxygen saturation was 89%. Acute heart failure management was initiated. An echocardiogram reported left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) of 70% with severe right heart dilation, contractile dysfunction, and arterial pulmonary pressure (PASP) of 110 mm Hg. A multidisciplinary team considered gigantomastia could generate a restrictive pattern, so a Thorek reduction mammoplasty with Wise pattern was performed. Presurgical measurements were: sternal notch to nipple-areola complex, right 59 cm, left 56 cm. Three days after surgery, the patient could breathe without oxygen support. In the outpatient follow-up, patient referred reduction of her respiratory symptoms and marked improvement in her quality of life. Six months after surgery, a control echocardiogram showed a LVEF of 62% and PASP of 85 mm Hg. Pulmonary hypertension may be present in patients with gigantomastia. Reduction mammoplasty may be a feasible alternative to improve the cardiac signs and symptoms in patients with medical refractory management.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.300-308
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• 2011

Purpose: The goal of reduction mammaplasty is breast with natural cone shape, minimizing scars, well-placed and sensate nipple-areolar area and maintaining breast physiology. In order to satisfy that goal, variable reduction mammaplasty methods are performed, however, two methods such as vertical reduction method and inverted T-scar method are currently most used. We compared indications and advantages of the two methods and set up useful guidlines. Methods: For 15 years from 1995 to 2010, we experienced 84 patients (162 breasts). We performed vertical reduction method as Lejour's superior pedicle technique (45 patients) and inverted T-scar method as Goldwyn's inferior dermal flap technique (39 patients). We evaluated the result of the operation comparing patient's age, amount of resected tissue, complications and post-operative scars of the two methods. Results: The mean age was 36 years and the vertical reduction group was 3 years younger than inverted T-scar group. The mean breast tissue resection amount per one breast, inverted T-scar group (712 gm) was lagger than vertical reduction group (395 gm). Conclusion: There is no ideal method for reduction mammaplasty until now. However, we suggest that guide line, the vertical reduction method is effective for minimal and moderate macromastia in young and middle aged women and inverted T-scar method is appropriate for severe macromastia with ptosis in elderly women. Recently, all procedures tried shorter and smaller scar on the vertical line as small I, J or L shape scar, and inframammary fold as short inverted T-scar.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.656-658
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• 2007

Purpose: Prader-Willi Syndrome(PWS) is a congenital chromosomal disorder characterized by compulsive and early development of obesity. Obesity is identified as the main cause of morbidity in PWS individuals. Also, body change for rapid weight gain, such as gynecomastia, can cause considerable functional and psychological trauma, We corrected successfully gynecomastia in PWS patient, so we reported our experience of surgical method and literature reviews. Methods: A 16-year-old male patient presented with gynecomastia. He was diagnosed as with PWS at pediatric department. We performed reduction mammaplasty using inferior pedicle and Wise pattern. Excision amount was 1350g in right breast and 1415g in left breast. Also, we managed upper and lateral fullness of breast with liposuction. Results: There were no specific complications, such as hematoma, infection, nipple-areola complex necrosis, and so on. Also, aesthetic and functional outcome was acceptable Conclusion: We experienced successful correction of gynecomastia in PWS patient, and found advantages of conventional reduction mammaplasty using inferior pedicle and Wise pattern at this specific situation.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.438-445
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• 2015

Background Breast auto-augmentation (BAA) using an inferior pedicle dermoglandular flap aims to redistribute the breast tissue in order to increase the fullness in the upper pole and enhance the central projection of the breast at the time of mastopexy in women who want to avoid implants. The procedure achieves mastopexy and an increase in breast volume. Methods Between 2003 and 2014, 107 BAA procedures were performed in 53 patients (51 bilateral, 2 unilateral and 3 reoperations) with primary or secondary ptosis of the breast associated with loss of fullness in the upper pole (n=45) or undergoing explantation combined with capsulectomy (n=8). Six patients (11.3%) had prior mastopexy and 2 (3.7%) patients had prior reduction mammoplasty. The mean patients' age was 41 years (range, 19-66 years). All patients had preoperative and postoperative photographs and careful preoperative markings. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 9 years (mean, 6.6 months). Results The range of elevation of the nipple was from 6 to 12 cm (mean, 8 cm). The wounds healed completely with no complications in 50 (94.3%) patients. Three patients had complications including 2 (3.7%) hematomas and 1 (1.9%) partial necrosis of the nipple-areola complex. Three (5.7%) patients were dissatisfied with the level of mastopexy achieved underwent a further procedure. No patient complained of scar hypertrophy. Conclusions BAA is a versatile technique for women with small breasts associated with primary or secondary ptosis. It is also an effective technique for the salvage of breasts after capsulectomy and explantation.