Predictive risk factors of complications in reduction mammoplasty-analysis of three different pedicles

Reduction mammoplasty can be performed in several different techniques. Understanding the complication profile and risk factors in different reduction methods can help in choosing a technique, which serves the patient best. The authors present their experience of three different reduction techniques [superomedial pedicle (SMP), superior pedicle (SP) and inferior pedicle (IP)] with an emphasis on predictors of complications. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of breast reductions between 2014 and 2020 was performed. Patient's demographics [age, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, smoking, nipple to sternal notch distance (N-SN)], operative details (pedicle, tissue resected, drains, operating surgeon) and complications according to Clavien-Dindo classification were assessed. Study variables were compared against overall complication rates for the three techniques. In total, 760 patients underwent reduction mammoplasty, including 578 (76%) bilateral and 182 (24%) unilateral operations. Of patients, 477 (63%) were operated with SMP, 201 (26%) with IP and 82 (11%) with SP. An average weight of resected tissue per breast was 460 g. Overall complication rate was 38%. The rate was higher in IP group (50%) compared to SMP (36%) and SP (22%) groups (P