A mammometric comparison of modified Robertson versus Wise pattern inferior pedicle reduction mammoplasty

Abstract

Aim: The advent of 3D photoimaging and mammometrics has allowed for quantitative, volumetric breast analyses. This study uses 3D photoimaging and mammometrics to compare the postoperative morphometric outcomes of the modified Robertson technique to the more traditional Wise pattern inferior pedicle technique.

Methods: Inferior pedicle reduction mammoplasty was performed using either a Wise pattern or modified Robertson skin incision. 3D photography and analysis were done at 1-3 months and 6-12 months postoperatively.

Results: There were 14 breasts in the modified Robertson group (ROB) and 24 breasts in the Wise pattern group (WISE). There were no significant differences in demographic data or amount of tissue resected. At 6-12 months, the modified Robertson cohort demonstrated increased superior pole fullness (62.9% ROB vs. 58.3% WISE, P = 0.05). The Wise cohort, however, maintained greater maximum breast projection (5.52 cm ROB vs. 6.54 cm WISE, P = 0.01) and increased medial pole fullness (29.6% ROB vs. 46.9% WISE, P < 0.01). There was no difference in tissue shifting from the superior pole to the inferior pole over time (+3.36 superior pole % ROB vs. +1.42 superior pole % WISE, P = 0.28). Areola surface area increased equally in both cohorts (+3.08 cm² ROB vs. +2.59 cm² WISE, P = 0.77); however, the final size of the areola was greater in the modified Robertson cohort (26.9 cm² ROB vs. 21.6 cm² WISE, P < 0.01).

Conclusion: Using 3D mammometrics, we found increased superior pole fullness in the modified Robertson group while the Wise pattern group demonstrated greater medial pole fullness and maximum breast projection.

Keywords

3D photography / mammometrics / modified Robertson / Wise pattern / reduction mammoplasty

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