Impact of Patient and Operative Factors on Nipple-Areola Complex Sensation after Bilateral Reduction Mammaplasty

BACKGROUND: Alteration of nipple-areola complex (NAC) sensation following reduction mammoplasty is commonly reported and may impact patient satisfaction. The goal of this study was to evaluate the patient and procedural factors that influence the rates of subjective NAC sensation change. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent primary bilateral reduction mammoplasty between January 2014 and August 2018 at the senior author’s institution was performed. The primary outcome measured was subjective NAC sensation via digital stimulation of the NAC with the patient reporting sensation as decreased, unchanged, or increased. RESULTS: In total, 274 patients met inclusion criteria. NAC sensation was decreased in 19% of breasts, unchanged in 74%, and increased in 7.3%. Patients who underwent vertical pattern, superomedial pedicle reductions were more likely to report a decrease in sensation than those who underwent Wise pattern, inferior pedicle reductions (26% versus 13%; P = 0.0025). Patients with minor complications were more likely to report decreased NAC sensation than those who did not (23% versus 15%; P = 0.0264). The only factor found to be associated with increased sensation was operative time. CONCLUSIONS: Patients were more likely to report decreased sensation if a vertical skin resection, superomedial pedicle was chosen, or if patients experienced a minor complication. The only factor found to correlate with increased NAC sensation was longer operative times.