PURPOSE: Loss of nipple sensation following reduction mammaplasty can negatively impact a patient’s outcomes. Few studies have explored the association between operative techniques and postoperative nipple sensation. This study aimed to assess the adjusted effect of pedicle choice on subjective nipple sensation.
METHODS: Among 659 patients undergoing bilateral reduction mammoplasty at a single institution, 182 survey responses meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed. Subjective nipple sensation outcomes were compared by pedicle type, and subgroup analysis was used to adjust by factors such as resection volume.
RESULTS: Overall, over 92% of patients reported some subjective nipple sensation after breast reduction, however a significant proportion noted reduced sensation compared to their baseline across multiple modalities. Superior pedicles were associated with significantly decreased nipple sensitivity to light touch and temperature (p=0.0023, p=0.03) and overall nipple sensation satisfaction (p=0.05) compared to inferior pedicles). When stratified by resection volume we noted that pedicle choice was not associated with a difference in sensory outcomes for patients with resections <500 grams.
CONCLUSION: While a majority of patients maintain some sensation after breast reduction, a significant minority report a relative decrease in subjective sensation. Reassuringly, for patients with a resection volume of less than 500 grams, pedicle choice does not appear to affect sensory recovery. However when a greater resection volume is anticipated, the inferior pedicle may be associated with more favorable sensation outcomes.