The efficacy of breast reduction surgery in patients with symptomatic macromastia

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the efficacy of breast reduction surgery in patients with symptomatic macromastia. Materials and Methods: Forty patients with symptomatic macromastia operated between May 2009 - May 2010 were included. Breast volumes of patients were measured with Grossman-Roudner disc. Visual analog scale (VAS) test which range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (the worst pain imaginable) was used to grade shoulder pain, headache, backache, cervical pain and arm pain in the patients. Additional complaints were recorded to evaluate the effect of treatment on life quality. Twenty five patients were operated with inverse T incison inferior pedicle technique, 10 patients were operated with vertical incision technique, and 5 patients were operated with free areolar graft tech-nique. VAS test was repeated for patients six months later. The last situation of additional complaints were recorded. Results: The average age was 41.6 (24-60). The average body mass index was 33.1 (22.8-44.4). Right breast volume was 1667 (3003800), left breast volume was 1670 (800-3800). Preoperative average VAS was 6.18 (4-8). Postoperative average VAS was 1.9 (0-5). The difference between preoperative and postoperative pain was significant (p<0.001). Average postoperative follow-up period was 9.75 (6-18) months. Average weight of resected specimen from right and left breast was 1112 (0-3000), 1110 (300-2900) respectively. Conclusion: Breast reduction surgery results in reduction of pain and improvement in the quality of life and is an effective treatment method for patients with symptomatic macromastia.