Enhancing Preoperative Markings for Aesthetic Breast Surgery: A Reliable Technique for Symmetry in Mastopexy and Reduction Mammoplasty

Goals/Purpose: Preoperative markings for aesthetic breast surgery, particularly with mastopexy (with or without augmentation) and reduction mammoplasty, can be challenging for surgeons who are new in their careers. Some surgeons mark on the table or adjust markings intraoperatively, which may lengthen operative time, and therefore put patients at increased risk of complications related to surgery or anesthesia. We present a technique for preoperative markings that we have found to be reliable and produce symmetric results, without need for adjustments intraoperatively.

Methods/Technique: Our method for preoperative breast markings starts by defining specific landmarks on the anterior chest. Next the desired nipple position is selected and a wise pattern is designed with the assistance of a McKissock keyhole Breast Marker. Five specific measurements are taken on each breast and symmetry is ensured.

Results/Complications: This technique has been used by one of the authors for over x years and has proven to produce reliable and consistent results without the need for significant intraoperative marking adjustments.

Conclusion: This technique can be a useful tool for producing breast symmetry for surgeons who perform mastopexy and reduction mammoplasty.