MAMMOPLASTY

Abstract

M ammoplasty is the plastic reconstruction of the breast. The male and female breasts may be reconstructed for many reasons and may be medically necessary or for aesthetic purposes. The three most common types of breast surgery are augmentation mammoplasty, reduction mammoplasty, mastopexy and breast reconstruction following mastectomy (Carleen et al., 2005). Reduction mammaplasty and mastopexy are two distinct yet interrelated procedures that share many points in common. Both operations result in lifting of the nipple and areola, reduction of the breast skin envelope, and generally an overallimprovement in the shape of the breast. As a result, these goals are accomplished for both procedures using similar operative strategies. While recognizing these similarities, it is important to note that the major focus of breast reduction is to reduce the volume of the breast, whereas mastopexy is generally intended to lift and reshape the breast with little or no breast volume change. Typically, the aesthetic concerns in mastopexy are generally more demanding than those in breast reduction. Understanding the basic elements of each procedure is key for developing successful operative plan that provides the best results possible and yet minimizes potential complications (Scott et al., 2011).