An Innovative Method for Intraoperative Shaping and Positioning of the Nipple-Areola Complex in Reduction Mammaplasty and Mastopexy

Issues of hypertrophic circumareolar scars and malpositioning or irregularity of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) are frequently associated with breast reduction or mastopexy techniques that rely on an ample excision of skin around the areola, either alone or associated with a vertical incision. To avoid such problems, many efforts have been made to improve the accuracy of preoperative marking for the future NAC. However, the correct design and position of the NAC may be difficult to achieve for the patient at the end of the procedure after closure of the skin incisions. This article describes a novel, simple, and effective method for intraoperative shaping and positioning of the NAC. The described method is based on using a specially designed surgical instrument to determine the best position, diameter, shape, and configuration of a new NAC. This study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of this method to reduce the common complications of the periareolar region in reduction mammaplasty and mastopexy. Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors at www.springer.com/00266.