22.  Can you avoid free nipple grafts in large reductions?  (Annals 1996; 37:585)

Answer:
Free nipple grafts can be avoided in large reductions using the inferior pedicle technique. Phyllis Chang reported 172 patients having inferior breast pedicle reduction without amputation of the nipple-areolar complex.  The mean weight of tissue resected was 1946 gm (548 to 5100 gm).  There was 99.6% survival rate of the nipple-areolar complex and 97.1% rate of retention of nipple sensibility. The inferior pedicle averaged 6-8 cm in width but was as wide as 12 cm for long pedicles up to 10 cm.

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