Periareolar Mastopexy: Is This Breast Reduction Technique Right for You?

Periareolar mammaplasty is a breast reduction and reshaping technique characterized by an incision made around the areola. This method distinguishes itself from other techniques, such as the inframammary approach (where incisions are made in the crease under the breast), by its focus on minimizing visible scarring. The surgeon accesses the underlying breast tissue through the periareolar incision to remove excess tissue and reshape the breast. The skin is then tightened around the areola, reducing the breast size and improving its shape. This approach is particularly appealing because the incision is concealed within the areola's pigmented border, potentially leading to less noticeable scarring. Different techniques, like the wise pattern (anchor) incision, can be used for more significant reductions, but they result in more extensive scarring.

The ideal candidates for Periareolar Mastopexy are patients who have moderate breast hypertrophy, mild ptosis (sagging), and good skin elasticity. These factors play a vital role in achieving optimal outcomes with this specific surgical method. Patients with significant sagging or extremely large breasts might not be suitable, as more extensive techniques might be required to achieve desired results and ensure long-term satisfaction. A thorough evaluation by a board-certified plastic surgeon is crucial to determine if an individual's breast characteristics align with the periareolar approach's limitations and advantages.

The Periareolar Mammaplasty procedure involves a circular incision around the areola, which allows the surgeon to access the breast tissue. The surgeon removes excess breast tissue and reshapes the remaining tissue. Before the procedure, precise markings are essential for achieving symmetry and optimal results. These markings, made with the patient seated, define the new areola position and the amount of tissue to be removed. After reshaping, the skin is tightened, and the areola is repositioned. This technique's effectiveness relies heavily on the surgeon's precision and understanding of breast anatomy to minimize scarring and achieve the desired aesthetic outcome.

Long-term results from Periareolar Mammaplasty, evaluated in a study with a minimum of 10 years post-operation, include assessments of breast size, shape, symmetry, nipple-areola complex sensitivity, scar quality, patient satisfaction, complications, and the need for secondary interventions. Patient satisfaction is intricately linked to the quality of results over time, with minimal scarring and maintained sensation being crucial. The periareolar technique aims to maximize patient satisfaction by minimizing visible scarring and achieving a natural-looking breast shape. Factors like the patient's initial breast characteristics (moderate hypertrophy, mild ptosis, good skin elasticity) and the surgeon's skill significantly contribute to the long-term success and patient satisfaction levels.

While the article doesn't explicitly detail how patient age influences suitability, it mentions that the patient's age in the study ranged from 16 to 49 years old at the time of surgery. This suggests that Periareolar Mammaplasty can be considered for a broad age range, but the specifics of age-related factors require further consideration. Skin elasticity, which tends to decrease with age, is a crucial factor for this technique. Younger patients with good skin elasticity may experience better long-term results regarding shape maintenance and scar appearance. A board-certified plastic surgeon will assess individual characteristics during the consultation and discuss the potential benefits and limitations of the procedure in relation to the patient's age and specific breast anatomy.