Evaluation of Sensitivity in Specific Points of the Areola and Nipple of Patients Submitted to Reduction Mammoplasty With Periareolar Dermis Release: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract Background To date, studies on periareolar dermis release have recorded the areola sensitivity as a mean. Despite being clinically reported by patients, specific points of the areola may present sensitivities not detected when researchers only consider mean values. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the pressure sensitivity at specific points of the nipple-areola complex and compare these values with the mean value measured in the areolas of patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty with periareolar dermis release. Methods This is a prospective, randomized controlled trial of 39 consecutive patients (78 breasts) who underwent surgery for treatment of breast hypertrophy; the same surgical technique was used for all patients. In each patient, 1 breast was assigned to a control group and the other to an experimental group. The periareolar dermis release was performed in the experimental group (39 breasts). Pressure sensitivity was tested with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments on the papilla and at 4 specific points of the areola. The evaluations were conducted preoperatively and at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 1 year postoperatively. Results The group comparisons show a statistically significant difference in sensitivity at the medial point of the areola and in the papilla at 3 weeks postoperation. This difference disappeared in the 1-year evaluation. This recovery profile also occurs when areola sensitivity corresponds to a mean value. The sensitivity significantly decreased at the lower point of the areola up to 1 year postoperation in the control and experimental groups. Conclusions The periareolar dermis release did not compromise the pressure sensitivity at the points evaluated in the nipple-areola complex. The mean areola sensitivity differed from the sensitivity at the lower point of the areola. Level of Evidence: 4