Does Menstrual Cycle Affect Breast Reduction Surgery? A Retrospective Analysis of 722 Cases

Abstract Background Because the breast is one of the target organs of estrogen and progesterone, it is confirmed to have periodic changes through the menstrual cycle. Several studies reported that surgeries on the breast could be influenced by the menstrual cycle, which remained controversial. Objectives The aim of the authors of this study is to determine whether the menstrual cycle affects breast reduction surgery. Methods Patients undergoing breast reduction from 2004 to 2021 were reviewed. They were grouped according to different menstrual phases in a standard 28-day cycle: proliferative (Days 3-7), follicular phase of differentiation (Days 8-14), luteal phase of differentiation (Days 15-20), secretory (Days 12-27), and menstrual (Days 28-2). Their length of surgery, drainage after operation, drainage duration, and incidence of hematoma were recorded and analyzed. Results The study on 722 patients demonstrated that there was no statistical difference in the length of operation and postoperative drainage when performing operations on different menstrual phases. Conclusions For patients having breast reduction surgery, their menstrual cycle had no influence on the length of surgery and postoperative drainage, whereas further studies were needed. Level of Evidence: 3 (Therapeutic)