The SPAIR mammaplasty

Recent developments in breast reduction technique have focused on reducing the amount of cutaneous scar. Most of these techniques utilize a superior or superior-medial pedicle to maintain the blood supply to the nipple and areola. For reductions of more than 200 to 300 grams, management of the excessive skin envelope results in an early distorted appearance to the breast, which is then expected to settle into the proper shape over time. Issues related to less than desirable scar appearance and persistent shape distortion in the vertical scar was also a sharp drawback. It was for these reasons that the short scar periareolar inferior pedicle reduction or SPAIR mammaplasty was developed. This procedure provides a versatile alternative to existing short scar techniques for both mastopexy and reduction that may be more easily incorporated into any given surgeons practice due to the use of the more familiar inferior pedicle as well as the direct control over shape which is afforded.