| Abstract: | Experience using a maximally vascularized central breast pedicle to nourish the nipple-areola is presented. The pedicle is designed to incorporate vascular contributions from the lateral thoracic artery, intercostal perforators, internal mammary perforators, and thoracoacromial artery by means of the pectoralis major muscle. The basic technique is as follows: First, the areola is incised and 2-cm-thick skin and subcutaneous flaps are dissected medially, laterally, and superiorly, freeing the entire central breast mound. Second, the breast is reduced in a "Christmas tree" manner, being careful not to narrow the base of the pedicle. Third, excess skin and subcutaneous tissue is excised inferomedially and laterally and the nipple is inset into proper locations. The advantages of this technique are (1) large and small reductions can be done, (2) pedicle length does not appear to be a problem, and (3) the central mound gives the forward projection needed for good contour and good aesthetic results. Sixty-five patients with follow-up to 4 years are presented. |
