Faculty mentor/PI email address
milani@rowan.edu
Is your research Teaching and Learning based?
1
Keywords
Mammoplasty, Breast Reduction, De- Epithelialization, De-Skinning
Date of Presentation
5-6-2026 12:00 AM
Poster Abstract
Background- Reduction mammoplasty treats symptomatic macromastia. A key step involves pedicle preparation before breast mound reconstruction. Two main techniques include: De-epithelialization: Removes epidermis, preserves dermis, De-skinning: Excises both epidermal and dermal layers. Evidence comparing surgical outcomes between these techniques is limited.
Hypothesis- De-epithelialization will result in fewer vascular complications but longer operative times than de-skinning; thus, superiority depends on case selection.
Methods- A literature review identified studies on skin removal techniques in breast reduction mammoplasty.
Results- De-skinning was faster than de-epithelialization, though energy-assisted modalities were fastest. Nipple–areola complex (NAC) ischemia and necrosis rates were low across all methods. Superficial de-epithelialization was associated with higher cyst incidence; full-thickness dermal excision and certain energy-based techniques showed lower complication rates.
Conclusion- Neither de-epithelialization nor de-skinning is clearly superior in breast reduction. Both offer comparable NAC vascular safety. While de-skinning and energy-assisted techniques may improve efficiency, complication profiles (like inclusion cysts) seem to depend more on the depth of tissue removal than the technique itself. Further standardized, long-term research is needed to optimize surgical decisions and outcomes.
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Plastic Surgery | Women's Health
Included in
De-epithelialization Versus Pedicle De-skinning in Reduction Mammoplasty: Comparative Outcomes from the Literature
Background- Reduction mammoplasty treats symptomatic macromastia. A key step involves pedicle preparation before breast mound reconstruction. Two main techniques include: De-epithelialization: Removes epidermis, preserves dermis, De-skinning: Excises both epidermal and dermal layers. Evidence comparing surgical outcomes between these techniques is limited.
Hypothesis- De-epithelialization will result in fewer vascular complications but longer operative times than de-skinning; thus, superiority depends on case selection.
Methods- A literature review identified studies on skin removal techniques in breast reduction mammoplasty.
Results- De-skinning was faster than de-epithelialization, though energy-assisted modalities were fastest. Nipple–areola complex (NAC) ischemia and necrosis rates were low across all methods. Superficial de-epithelialization was associated with higher cyst incidence; full-thickness dermal excision and certain energy-based techniques showed lower complication rates.
Conclusion- Neither de-epithelialization nor de-skinning is clearly superior in breast reduction. Both offer comparable NAC vascular safety. While de-skinning and energy-assisted techniques may improve efficiency, complication profiles (like inclusion cysts) seem to depend more on the depth of tissue removal than the technique itself. Further standardized, long-term research is needed to optimize surgical decisions and outcomes.