Elimination of the vertical scar in reduction mammaplasty.

We describe a technique to eliminate the vertical portion of the inverted-T incision in patients who have combined enlargement of the breasts and moderate to severe ptosis. Initial preoperative markings are made, placing the new nipple site at the level of the transposed inframammary crease. The nipple-areola complex is then retained on a vascularized pedicle, with major reduction of the breast tissue being done in the medial and lateral quadrants. The nipple and breast tissue are then tucked underneath the superior skin segment and placed in this new position as one would do with the umbilicus in an abdominoplasty. Excess vertical skin is removed, and horizontal excess is collected at the midline as a small dog-ear. We have found that this dog-ear reduces markedly with time, rounding out the inferior portion of the breasts. The remaining small amount of excess skin can then be removed under local anesthetic at a later date. We have performed this procedure on 20 patients, with follow-up from 6 to 24 months.