The Safety of Operating on Breasts with a History of Prior Reduction Mammoplasty: Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis of Angiogenesis

Background The vascularity of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) is altered after reduction mammoplasty, increasing the risk of complications after repeat reduction or nipple-sparing mastectomy. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate angiogenesis of the NAC via serial analysis of magnetic resonance images. Methods Magnetic resonance images of breasts after reduction mammoplasty were analyzed for 35 patients (39 breasts) from 3-dimensional reconstructions of maximum-intensity projection images. All veins terminating at the NAC were classified as internal mammary, anterior intercostal, or lateral thoracic in origin. The vein with the largest diameter was considered the dominant vein. Images were classified based on the time since reduction: <6 months, 6 to 12 months, 12 to 24 months, >2 years. Results The average number of veins increased over time: 1.17 (<6 months), 1.56 (6-12 months), 1.64 (12-24 months), 1.73 (>2 years). Within 6 months, the pedicle was the only vein. Veins from other sources began to appear at 6 to 12 months. In most patients, at least 2 veins were available after 1 year. After 1 year, the internal mammary vein was the most common dominant vein regardless of the pedicle used. Conclusions Repeat reduction mammoplasty or nipple-sparing mastectomy should be performed >= 1 year following the initial procedure. After 1 year, the superior or superomedial pedicle may represent the safest option when the previous pedicle is unknown.