Central/Inferior Pedicle Technique for Reduction Mammaplasty: A Systematic Review ()
1. Introduction
Reduction mammaplasty in plastic surgery is generally performed operations and majority of patients have reported high satisfaction level. Ptotic and large breasts cause psychological and physical distress. Aim of reduction mammoplasty is to minimize the breast volume and maintain supply of blood and innervations to NAC (nipple-areolar complex), to lift NAC to higher position in mound of breast, for creating an aesthetic shape which is steady over time and placing scars in suitable place cosmetically [1]. Central pedicle technique or central mound technique of reducing the breast is versatile and it separates the skin of gland, reduces glandular tissue directly and customizes skin tailoring for obtaining project to control tension on closure. Central pedicle method sustains vascular supply to breast gland that involves branches of thoracoacromial and thoracic arteries laterally and superiorly. Extra vessels enter posteriorly gland that involves pectoralis main perforators passed by internal mammary and anteromedial and anterolateral perforators. Clinical experiences of such technique are reliable and safe for patients with marked ptosis or who require huge reductions, thus obviating the requirement for free areola /nipple grafting [2].
Inferior pedicle method or techniques is successfully used in training programs of plastic surgery as reliable and safe techniques for reducing and reshaping the breast with adequate sensation, NAC position, vascularity. It preserves the lactation of breast as continuity of parenchyma of breast is undisturbed at the same time bottoming out seems to be one of main drawbacks that could be avoided by penetrating the huge tissue centrally located under NAC with minimal tissue along the pedicle’s lower border. Resection in some breast areas makes this technique more difficult [3].
2. Methods and Materials
This research selected and observed 15 patients who underwent central pedicle technique for mammaplasty of breast reduction. Age criterium included for this research is 18 years to 60 years for 5 years from Chinese patients. In addition to these, this study systematically reviewed about central pedicle technique for 25 years.
2.1. Search Strategy
Papers were selected from electronic databases namely Embase, Pubmed Central and Digital Library. Keywords and headings used for selection for central pedicle technique, inferior pedicle technique, comparison of central versus superomedial pedicle, reduction mammaplasty, breast reduction. Papers were selected from 1996 to 2021.
2.2. Eligibility Criteria
Papers were selected based on technique named central/inferior pedicle technique. Eligibility criteria for full-text articles are research must the central/inferior pedicle technique; reduction mammaplasty; completed studies, appropriate outcomes. Studies which are not included are case studies, abstracts only, incomplete studies, not relevant studies, other pedicle techniques, general descriptions. Duplicates are not included in full text articles.
From 40 eligible papers, they are categorized based on age (5), duration (8), complication rate (11), comparison (4), follow up post-surgery (6) and review based paper (6).
Flow diagram of selection criteria is described in Figure 1.
3. Review of Literature
This paper reviews central/inferior pedicle technique with reduction mammaplasty based on these categories namely age of patients, duration, complication rate after central pedicle technique, comparison of superomedial and inferior pedicle technique, follow up after central pedicle technique and review based studies.
3.1. Central/Inferior Pedicle Technique and Age of Patients
Zhu et al. [4] adopted inferior pedicle technique for 18 years to 65 years. Number of patients included in this research is 24 breasts in WISE and 14 breasts in modified ROB. It was found out maximized superior fullness in pole in modified ROB whereas WISE group found high projection in breast and greater medical fullness of pole. Modified central pedicle technique was adopted by Kim et al. [5] among 19 - 61 years. 56 patients were selected in this study. It was observed that modified technique for central pedicle for reducing mammaplasty with technique of vertical scar is a versatile technique for reducing breast for all tissue conditions and shapes, by giving a conical breast shape with less burden of scar and high preservation of function for breast. Bilgen et al. [6] adopted central and inferior mound pedicle breast reduction in Gigantomastia among 21 - 61 years.
![]()
Figure 1. Flow diagram of selection criteria.
72 patients for 3 years were studied. Inferior pyramidal pedicle method is found to be versatile technique for reduction mammaplasty which could be used in all sizes of breast. It preserves the sensation of nipple and potential to lactate with minimal complication rates.
Eskitascioglu and Yontar [7] studied about combined advantages of dermal flap suspension and placation of inferior pedicle in inverted T-scar mammaplasty for breast reduction for 17 to 76 years. In this research, 121 patients were selected from March 2008 to November 2017. It was clear that combined use of dermal flap suspension and pedicle placation enhances the position and shape controllability in technique of inferior pedicle, gives a stabilized and projectile breast mound helps to reach satisfactory cosmetic results in long-term and prevents deformities of breast. Erfon et al. [8] examined about single central block technique among 17 to 75 years. 2097 patients were underwent single central block for reduction mammoplasties (1556) and mastopexies (541). This technique permits surgeon to get a good breast shape like cone, NAC repositioning and preserving, its sensation and vascularisation without tension on sutures of skin flaps, result in better and smaller scars. Table 1 represents central/inferior pedicle technique and age of patients.
3.2. Central/Inferior Pedicle Technique and Duration
Nicholson et al. [9] studied about modified central mound pedicle for reducing breast. 116 patients underwent bilateral reduction of breast were studied for 7 years. It was clear that pseudoptosis development is delayed for some patients. Bayramicli [10] developed a novel septum-based pedicle (central pillar). 62 patients carried out bilateral reduction for 26.5 months. It was obvious from the findings of the study are central pillar technique is best substitute for glandular breasts among young patients. Double-unit technique with inverted-T incision and superomedio-central pedicle was studied by Wolter et al. [11]. 831 reduction mammaplasties are performed among 630 patients for consecutive 7 years. It was clear that proposed technique is effective for achieving reduction of volume. Movassaghi et al. [12] studied about central-inferior pedicle using low mammaplasty with horizontal scar. 239 patients were selected for studying central-inferior pedicle using low mammaplasty with horizontal scar for 6 years. Thus it was concluded that BMRT (Boston Modification of Robertson technique) is reliable and safe method for reducing mammaplasty when there is significant ptosis and macromastia.
Wechselberger et al. [13] estimated the amount of resected tissue in breast has impact on sensitivity of breast post inferior pedicle mammaplasty. 15 patients were selected for examining the impact on sensitivity of breast post inferior pedicle mammaplasty from April 1999 to January 2000. It was clear that touch sensitivity have been increased for all patients till 6 months post-surgery. Shod [14] carried out a research to examine about inferior pedicle for bilateral mammoplasty for reduction with inverted T-procedure. 23 patients were selected and
![]()
Table 1. Central/inferior pedicle technique and age of patients.
observed for 3 years. It was observed that reduction mammaplasty enhanced women quality of life using inferior pedicle technique.
Al-Boudi and Alhassanieh [15] studied about inferior pedicle technique. 32 patients who underwent inferior pedicle procedure were selected from January 2018 to Dec 2020. It was found that suspension of inferior pedicle with the help of crossed dermal flaps prevent bottoming out, do not include alloplastic materials or allogenic materials. Weichman et al. [16] analyzed about central mound technique and its outcomes. 13 patients were selected for understanding about central mound technique for 5 years. Proposed technique gives reproducible and reliable outcomes and has to consider patients with asymmetry or macromastia and irradiation history. Table 2 depicts central/inferior pedicle technique and duration.
3.3. Superomedial versus Inferior Pedicle Technique
Fahmy et al. [3] compared inferior pedicle and superomedial pedicle technique. 24 patients were selected for studying inferior versus superomedial pedicle technique during Jan 2017 and Sep 2018. From the findings of the research, it was clear that both inferior and superomedial pedicle technique are feasible, safe and effective for reduction mammoplasty. Kemaloglu and Ozocok [17] compared inferior pedicle and superomedial pedicle technique. 25 patients were selected for observing inferior and 25 patients for superomedial pedicle after 1 year surgery. It was found out that superomedial pedicle was best for skin excision of wise pattern in gigantomastic patients when compared with inferior pedicle. Sapino et al. [18] examined about inferior pedicle reduction versus superomedial pedicle. 58 patients were selected from January 2015 to January 2017 for comparing inferior and superomedial pedicle. It was clear that both techniques give satisfactory and stable outcomes. Makboul et al. [19] compared superomedial versus inferior pedicle techniques. 60 cases were selected during January 2009 to December 2014. It was observed that breast contour and long term projection were satisfactory among women who underwent superomedial pedicle. Superomedial pedicle performs better than inferior technique. Table 3 depicts superomedial pedicle versus inferior pedicle technique.
3.4. Central/Inferior Pedicle Technique and Complication Rate
Denewer et al. [20] carried out an investigation to study about therapeutic mammoplasty by inferior pedicle among large-breasted persons among early breast cancer with upper quadrants. 35 patients were selected between August 2009 and October 2012. From the findings of the research, it was observed that dehiscence of wound was major complications faced after surgery and 6 patients were suffered. Cammarota et al. [21] studied about inferior dermal pedicle method. 74 patients were selected for analyzing inferior dermal pedicle method from January 2005 to January 2013. 62.16 per cent of patients opined that satisfaction after surgery was excellent, 25.67 per cent of patients opined that
![]()
Table 2. Central/inferior pedicle technique and duration.
![]()
Table 3. Superomedial versus inferior pedicle technique.
satisfaction after surgery was good. 12.17 per cent of patients sated that satisfaction after surgery was fair. Majority of patients were satisfied using inferior dermal pedicle method. Al-Mahmoudy and Reyad [22] conducted a research among patients who underwent inferior pedicle mammaplasty for reduction. 10 patients were chosen from January 2017 to March 2018 for inferior pedicle mammaplasty. It was concluded that satisfactory results were noticed for long-term both subjectively and objectively with good fullness in upper pole and no bottoming out and have vertical scar.
Mandrekas et al. [23] studied about inferior pedicle technique. 371 patients were selected to analyze inferior pedicle technique for 10 years. It was concluded from the outcomes that overall rate of complication was 11.4 percent. Elsabbagh and Zayed [24] conducted a research among patients using inferior pedicle technique. 21 patients were selected from June 2012 to March 2017. It was noticed that proposed technique with few technical modifications was given to be safe and excellent technique for reduction of breast of ptotic and large breasts. Filho et al. [25] examined about inferior pedicle technique for nipple-areolar among 21 years to 68 years. 40 patients were chosen for studying about inferior pedicle technique and follow up was done till 24 months post-surgery. Complications seen early after surgery were dehiscence of strand mid-point (10%) followed by hematoma (5%).
Jozsef et al. [26] developed a modified central pedicle or inferior pedicle. 117 patients were selected for findings the outcomes of modified central pedicle or inferior pedicle. It was observed that proposed method are adopted for decreasing pseudoptosis and migrating nipple down and provide a safe substitute for high satisfaction of patient and long-lasting symmetry. Cho et al. [27] carried out an investigation for identifying inferior dermal pedicle or central pedicle. 41 patients were selected for 6 years. It was found out that periareolar mammoplasty for reduction is best for patients who need reduction of breast less than 500 g each side.
Savaci [28] selected a central pedicle technique to avoid a vertical scar. 13 patients were selected for 3 years to know about central pedicle technique. It was found that no complications were observed using central pedicle technique. Central pedicle flap technique was combined with short submammary scar for reduction mammaplasty studied by Shin et al. [29]. Age criteria included in this research are 17 to 60 years. 30 patients were selected for studying central pedicle flap technique. It was noticed that combined method is best for patients who need resection which range from 200 g to 600 g per breast with moderate ptosis degree and good elasticity of skin. Grant and Rand [2] conducted a research to examine about vascularized central pedicle reduction of breast. 239 patients were selected for analyzing vascularised central pedicle technique for breast reduction. It was found that 50 percent is reduced in complication rate and 35 percent is reduced in operative time. Table 4 depicts central/inferior pedicle technique and complication rate.
3.5. Central/Inferior Pedicle Technique and Follow Up Routine
Oliveira [30] studied about inferior pedicle technique, vascularisation and sensitivity of nipple-areola and its complications are observed. Surgical approach was adopted in 60 patients. They were followed up at 15 days, 30 and 60 days; 3 and 6 months and 1 year. From the follow-up routine, it was clear that with technique namely inferior pedicle, vascularisation and sensitivity of nipple-areola complex could be maintained properly and results in minimal complication rates. Widegrow [31] monitored the patients who underwent inferior pedicle fascial suspension. 25 patients followed up for 1 year post-surgery. From the findings of the study, it was found that 2 patients had put more weight post-surgery. It was also noticed that no major complications were seen post-surgery.
Copcu [32] developed a new technique namely COPCUs (conical pilated central U shaped) mammoplasty. 46 patients were monitored post-surgery from 6 to 36 months. It was clear from the findings of the results that all the patients who underwent COPCUs were satisfied with aesthetic and functional outcomes and no one had main complications. Echo et al. [33] examined about technique namely inferior pedicle for reducing breast. 38 patients were selected and time for follow-up time post-surgery was seven months. It was concluded that projection and shape of breast were sustained with optimistic aesthetic outcomes during follow-up.
Triplicated inferior pedicle technique was studied by Samy et al. [34]. 15 patients were selected during January 2020 and May 2020 with 6 months follow-up. From the findings of the research, it was found out that proposed technique avoid main complication and breast shape maintained after reduction of breast. Abbate et al. [35] studied about central mound mastopexy to correct tubular or tuberous breast deformity for 24-year-old patient. Single patient was selected to study about central mound mastopexy with long-term follow-up. This
![]()
Table 4. Central/inferior pedicle technique and complication rate.
study represents successful reconstruction with tubular and tuberous breast deformity of patient using central mound technique for reducing mastopexy and no prosthetic device is used. Table 5 represents central/inferior pedicle technique and follow up routine.
3.6. Review Studies for Central/Inferior Pedicle Technique
Swanson [36] compared vertical and central mound pedicle technique. 23 manuscripts were determined and selected for comparing vertical and central mound pedicle. It was found out that central mound pedicle reduce projection of breast than vertical technique. Delong [37] carried out a retrospective review with central mould pedicle for studying about reduction mammaplasty. Papers were selected from 19 years. It was concluded that central mound pedicle is effective and safe approach for mammaplasty of reduction for unilateral symmetrising operations and bilateral macromastia patients. Bustos et al. [38] conducted a retrospective review for studying about patients who taken inferior pedicle mammoplasty for reduction. 5 years papers were selected for understanding about inferior pedicle technique for reduction. It provides minimal risk of necrosis. Complications rate is also minimal. Aggarwal [39] compared superior-medial pedicle and inferior pedicle. TIG database was used for obtaining lust of oncoplastic trainers and trainees associated with TIG national oncoplastic fellowship. It was concluded that most of surgeons preferred superior-medial pedicle (62%) and 34 percent of surgeons preferred inferior pedicle technique.
Blondeel et al. [1] focused on latero-central glandular pedicle technique for reducing breast. 68 procedures were reviewed. It was noticed that because of maximized vascularisation of NAC, complications of wound were minimized with novel technique. NAC sensations were preserved in all cases. Yvorchuk [40] studied about central pedicle technique. Age criteria selected for this research is 18 years to 62 years. 50 consecutive cases were studied. From the findings of the study, it was observed that minimal complication rate was observed. Table 6 denotes review studies for central/inferior pedicle technique.
![]()
Table 5. Central/inferior pedicle technique and follow up routine.
![]()
Table 6. Review studies for central/inferior pedicle technique.
4. Discussion
This research selected and observed 15 patients who underwent central pedicle technique for mammaplasty of breast reduction. Mean age for 36 years. This study reviews the reduction mammaplasty using central pedicle technique. Reduction mammaplasties were carried out using central pedicle technique that removal excess tissue in breast through hidden scar. Follow up time post-surgery was every 6 months. Ptosis and breast hypertrophy are possible complications of patients who prefer CPT. Some of the complications faced by patients who underwent CPT are seroma or haematoma (blood clot), slight wound dehiscence. It was observed that, when considering measurements of breast, central pedicle technique permits main reduction of preoperative measures of breast and volume around 34.5 percent with optimal reduction of bra size. Complications noticed preoperative surgery was minimized gradually. Unpleasant and intertrigo odors were improved. Back pain, neck pain, breast pain and shoulder pain were minimized post operation significantly. Issues with external and clothing appearance prior surgery were enhanced post-surgery except for short stature patients and aged patients. Young patients are more benefitted using central pedicle technique. Few patients faced some complications like back pain and breast pain. Majority of the patients were reported that shape and projection of breast were reduced significantly. Such changes of measurements shown postoperative technique leads to long-term satisfactory impact. Majority of patients (95 per cent) who underwent CPT are satisfied with results. Overall, satisfaction level was satisfactory.
5. Conclusion
Central pedicle technique was found to be best, reliable and safe technique for reduction mammaplasty. Reduction mammaplasty is used for reducing the ptotic and large breasts. It provides more satisfactory and good aesthetic outcomes. Majority of patients who underwent CPT do not have any complications post-surgery. Complications rate is minimal when central pedicle technique is used for reduction mammaplasty. Patients with ptotic and large breasts would have huge advantage post-surgery. In addition to that, central mound technique is used for all kinds of tissue conditions and size of breast.
NOTES
*Corresponding author.