OBJECTIVETo investigate the cause and the prophylactic measures for the complication following the periareolar reduction mammaplasty using polypropylene mesh as suspension device.

METHODSFrom Dec. 1999 to Dec. 2005, 78 patients who underwent periareolar reduction mammaplasty using polypropylene mesh as suspension device were analysed. Among them, 47 cases were followed-up for 6 months to 5 years, and their long-term effect was evaluated.

RESULTSEarly after operation, complications included seroma (3 cases), infection (3 cases), delayed wound healing (3 cases), and paraesthesia of nipple-areolar complex (1 case). The 47 followed-up patients presented abnormal wave-like skin appearance in superior polar of breast (7 cases), palpable cord-like mammary content in peripheral region of breast (3 cases), widening of periareolar scar and secondary ptosis (2 cases) and paraesthesia of nipple-areolar complex (1 case). All other patients acquired good appearance and felt satisfactory. 2 patients could lactate after operation. 5 patients underwent mammary X-ray radiography after operation. No mesh shadow or calcification was revealed.

CONCLUSIONSAlthough polypropylene mesh is a good suspension device in reduction mammaplasty, the long-term complication is relatively high because of the hardness of the tissue. More soft tissue is necessary as alternative device for clinical application.