Utility of short-scar incisions mimicking breast augmentation incisions through periareolar or submammary approach for a better aesthetic outcome and patient satisfaction

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the long-term aesthetic outcome of single-session nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and immediate breast reconstruction operations performed using short-scar incisions mimicking breast augmentation incisions through periareolar or submammary approach. Materials and Methods: A total of 23 breast cancer patients (mean age: 32 years, range 21–44 years) who underwent single-session NSM and immediate breast reconstruction operations (bilateral in 9) performed through periareolar or submammary approach were included. Data on patient age, breast cancer characteristics, side of mastectomy and reconstruction, postoperative complications were retrieved from hospital records. Aesthetic outcome (by both patients and plastic surgeon), patient satisfaction (visual analog scale [VAS] scores), and psychological outcome (via body image scale) were evaluated after a median 4-year (range, 9 months–11 years) follow-up. Results: Majority of the patients identified that size of the breast (95.7%), shape of breast (95.7%), breast symmetry (95.7%), scars on the breast (100.0%), nipple-areola complex (100%), and overall aesthetic results (95.7%) fulfilled expectations very much. Physician evaluation also revealed that aesthetic outcome was excellent for majority of patients in terms of breast symmetry (80.7%), breast volume (95.7%), position of submammary fold (95.7%), and overall aesthetic result (95.7%) and all patients in terms of scar appearance on the breast (100.0%). Mean (standard deviation) VAS scores for patient satisfaction were 9.4 (0.8). Total body image scale indicated very good body image in terms of affective (e.g. feeling self-conscious), behavioral (e.g. difficulty in looking at the naked body), and cognitive (e.g. satisfaction with appearance) aspects in all patients. Conclusion: Our findings indicate the utility of short-scar (~4 cm) incisions mimicking breast augmentation incisions in a single-session NSM and immediate breast reconstruction as associated with a low-postoperative complication rate, an excellent aesthetic outcome and a very high patient satisfaction.