Lactational performance after breast reduction with different pedicles.

BACKGROUND: Uncertainty still exists as to whether one type of pedicle is superior to another in preserving the breastfeeding potential of young women who need breast reduction surgery.

METHODS: The lactational performance of women who had breast reduction surgery with different pedicle types was compared with that of women of child-bearing age with macromastia but no prior breast surgery. Of those who had reduction mammaplasty, 48 had superior, 59 had medial, and 57 had inferior full-thickness dermoglandular pedicles. A total of 151 women with macromastia but without prior breast surgery comprised the control group. All women completed a questionnaire on breastfeeding success. Successful breastfeeding was defined as breastfeeding for 2 weeks or more. The women were also classified as having breastfed exclusively or with supplementation.

RESULTS: Of the women in the control group who attempted to breastfeed, 62 percent were successful. Breastfeeding success rates for patients who had breast reduction surgery were 62 percent for superior pedicle, 65 percent for medial pedicle, and 64 percent for inferior pedicle. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was found between groups. Thirty-four percent of the control group supplemented breastfeeding and no significant difference was found between the control group and the patients who had breast reduction surgery with superior (38 percent), medial (38 percent), and inferior (35 percent) pedicles. Loss of nipple sensation was 2 percent for all pedicle types.

CONCLUSION: The lactational performance of women who had breast reduction surgery using superior, medial, or inferior full-thickness pedicles was not significantly different from that of women with macromastia but no breast surgery.