Nipple–Areola Complex Displacement After Reduction Mammoplasty: Association with the Volume of Resected Breast Tissue

Abstract Background Reduction mammoplasty remains one of the most challenging surgery for many females in both physical and psychological aspects. The location of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) is a crucial factor in patient satisfaction and psychosocial function. To quantitatively assess the association between resected breast tissue volume and postoperative NAC displacement and to evaluate the predictive value of resection weight for clinically relevant nipple malposition. Methods In this cross-sectional study, thirty for women who were candidates for reduction mammoplasty surgery. Anatomical measurements, specifically the suprasternal notch to nipple (SSN-N) and nipple to inframammary fold (N-IMF) distances, were recorded preoperatively, intraoperatively (during surgical marking), and postoperatively at 1 week and 3–6 months. The collected data were entered into the SPSS software. Group comparisons were conducted via t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests. The correlation between various variables was evaluated using the Spearman or Pearson correlation test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed to appraise the prognostic value of resection weight for nipple displacement. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Results In 64.3% of subjects whose resection weight was more than 500 grams, after surgery, the nipple was placed in a higher place than the previously determined place, while this percentage was equal to zero for those with resection weight less than 500 grams (P < 0.001). Conclusion Higher volumes of resected tissue in reduction mammoplasty are associated with increased nipple displacement and significant alterations in the N-IMF distance. These findings may assist surgeons in achieving more precise preoperative marking and improving the predictability of aesthetic results.