BRM: From Skin-Reducing Mastectomy to the New Concept of Breast Reshaping Mastectomy

<b>Background:</b> Macromastia is a well-known issue in breast reconstruction. Skin-reducing mastectomy (SRM) was introduced as a skin-sparing mastectomy that utilizes a skin reduction pattern similar to breast reduction or breast lift surgery, specifically to manage hypertrophic and pendulous breasts. Over time, numerous authors have contributed to refining the SRM technique, leading to the development of various technical variants. However, the diversity of approaches inspired by SRM has created confusion, and clear surgical indications are lacking. <b>Methods:</b> We propose a unifying concept called breast reshaping mastectomy (BRM), which encompasses all techniques based on SRM principles. The BRM aims not only to preserve and reduce the breast skin envelope but also to immediately reshape it for a more aesthetic outcome. This approach is applicable to all mastectomies where skin envelope preservation (with or without the nipple-areola complex) is oncologically safe, a modification of breast skin coverage is needed for better aesthetic results, and an implant-based reconstruction is planned. <b>Results:</b> To define the BRM concept, we reviewed the existing literature on SRM and its related techniques. Our analysis focused on four key elements: skin incision pattern, implant coverage strategy, nipple-areola complex (NAC) management, and the choice between two-stage and direct-to-implant reconstruction. <b>Conclusions:</b> By integrating these four components into a single surgical framework, BRM provides a structured approach to breast reconstruction that enhances both oncologic safety and aesthetic outcomes. Standardizing these techniques could help clarify surgical indications and improve reconstructive planning for patients undergoing skin-sparing mastectomy.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Published
2025-02-18
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14041350
Primary Topic
Breast Implant and Reconstruction
Type
article
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article

BRM: From Skin-Reducing Mastectomy to the New Concept of Breast Reshaping Mastectomy

Melania Caruso, Marco Klinger, Valerio Lorenzano, Benedetta Agnelli et al.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Breast Implant and Reconstruction
article

BRM: From Skin-Reducing Mastectomy to the New Concept of Breast Reshaping Mastectomy

Melania Caruso, Marco Klinger, Valerio Lorenzano, Benedetta Agnelli, Valeriano Vinci, Alessandro Mela, Alessia Lozito, Andrea Vittorio Emanuele Lisa, Francesco Klinger
article en

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Macromastia is a well-known issue in breast reconstruction. Skin-reducing mastectomy (SRM) was introduced as a skin-sparing mastectomy that utilizes a skin reduction pattern similar to breast reduction or breast lift surgery, specifically to manage hypertrophic and pendulous breasts. Over time, numerous authors have contributed to refining the SRM technique, leading to the development of various technical variants. However, the diversity of approaches inspired by SRM has created confusion, and clear surgical indications are lacking. <b>Methods:</b> We propose a unifying concept called breast reshaping mastectomy (BRM), which encompasses all techniques based on SRM principles. The BRM aims not only to preserve and reduce the breast skin envelope but also to immediately reshape it for a more aesthetic outcome. This approach is applicable to all mastectomies where skin envelope preservation (with or without the nipple-areola complex) is oncologically safe, a modification of breast skin coverage is needed for better aesthetic results, and an implant-based reconstruction is planned. <b>Results:</b> To define the BRM concept, we reviewed the existing literature on SRM and its related techniques. Our analysis focused on four key elements: skin incision pattern, implant coverage strategy, nipple-areola complex (NAC) management, and the choice between two-stage and direct-to-implant reconstruction. <b>Conclusions:</b> By integrating these four components into a single surgical framework, BRM provides a structured approach to breast reconstruction that enhances both oncologic safety and aesthetic outcomes. Standardizing these techniques could help clarify surgical indications and improve reconstructive planning for patients undergoing skin-sparing mastectomy.

Journal of Clinical MedicineVol. 14(4)
University of Rome Tor Vergata (IT), Humanitas University (IT), University of Milan (IT), European Institute of Oncology (IT)
Sustainable cities and communities
Openalex Percentile: Top 95%
Breast Implant and Reconstruction
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