A comparison of the LeJour and wise pattern methods of breast reduction

Supporters of the vertical mammoplasty state the resultant breast shape and scar are superior to the Wise pattern breast reduction. This study contains a comparison of the LeJour vertical reduction with the Wise pattern reduction by analysis of pre- and postoperative photographs, as well as a retrospective review comparing operative times, blood loss, complications, and a postoperative patient questionnaire. Of the 112 women who had moderate to large reductions (>500 g/breast) between 1999 and 2002, 65 subjects had adequate standard perioperative photographs. Esthetic appearance, symmetry, nipple quality, and scarring were assessed using a Likert scale (10 = superior, 1 = poor) by 30 evaluators. Based on the photographic analysis, there is no difference in the esthetic outcome between the vertical reduction mammaplasty and the inferior pedicle Wise pattern mammaplasty. Additionally, this study indicates that vertical patients with moderate to large reductions have a significantly higher rate of complications when their body mass index is greater than 30 kg/m(2).