Dermal suspension flaps for McKissock's vertical bipedicle flap vs. classical McKissock's technique: Comparison of aesthetic results and patient satisfaction

McKissock's vertical bipedicle flaps technique is a common technique used in reduction mammaplasty. This technique includes a well-vascularised dermal-parenchymal pedicle for safe nipple-areola transposition, but it has been criticised as resulting in a flat breast with inadequate projection after long-term follow-up. Various techniques in which dermal suspension flaps are used have demonstrated decreased secondary ptosis. We used a dermal suspension flap technique for the vertical bipedicled flap of the McKissock's breast reduction and compared it with classical McKissock's technique by review of the patient charts, photographic analysis and patient-satisfaction questionnaire. Evaluations and measurements with postoperative photographs for the dermal brassiere group compared with the classical McKissock breasts were found to be statistically different. There were no differences in complication rates and patient satisfaction between the groups. McKissock's technique with dermal suspension flap is an easy and uncomplicated modification that provides additional advantages for prevention of the secondary ptosis of the reduced breasts in the long term. (C) 2004 The British Association of Plastic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.