Assessment of NAC sensation after subglandular and subfascial augmentation mammaplasty: a comparative study

Abstract

Breast augmentation is one of the most common plastic surgery operations performed with high patient’s satisfactory results. However, preserving the sensation is an important part of achieving optimum results for patient’s wellness and satisfaction. Skin sensation was tested preoperatively using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments over 5 points on the nipple-areola complex of each breast: one point on the nipple and four points on the areola subdivided into four quadrants. The tactile thresholds were recorded preoperatively with postoperative follow-up at 2, 6 and 12 weeks for all patients undergoing subglandular and subfascial augmentation mammaplasty through the inframammary incision. Five percent of cases had partial sensory alteration ofNAC after undergoing subfascial augmentation mammoplasty, while 28%of patients who underwent subglandular augmentation had a decrease in NAC sensitivity. Patients who underwent subfascial augmentation mammaplasty were at a decreased risk of nipple-areola complex sensitivity alteration through the preservation of nerve supply compared to those who underwent subglandular augmentation. Level of evidence: Level III, risk/prognostic study.