Vertical scar mammaplasty in gigantomastia: retrospective study of 115 patients treated using the modified lejour technique.

Since 1996, the original technique of superior pedicle vertical scar mammaplasty described by Lejour has been modified by decreasing skin and glandular undermining, limiting liposuction, avoiding tight glandular stitches, and adding a small horizontal scar for very large breasts. Between 1996 and 2002, 115 consecutive patients underwent a bilateral reduction mammaplasty of more than 500 g per breast using the modified Lejour technique. The early, late, and delayed complications were studied according to four parameters: glandular resection, age, smoking habits, and body mass index (BMI). There was no difference in terms of complications according to the glandular resection. Patients with a high BMI were found to have a higher rate of wound dehiscence. The occurrence of partial areolar necrosis proved to be related to smoking habits. Patients younger than 20 years presented a lower rate of seroma. The modified Lejour technique has proved to be safe and effective for large breasts.