Accessory mastectomy is a surgical treatment for excess breast tissue in the armpit or near the chest. Its main purpose is to improve the patient's appearance and quality of life. There is widespread concern in the clinical and academic circles about whether this surgery will affect breast function, especially lactation function and sensation. This article will conduct a comprehensive analysis from the aspects of anatomical basis, surgical method, postoperative functional impact and related research data to explore the impact of accessory mastectomy on breast function.
1. Anatomical basis and accessory breast formation
Supernumerary breast refers to the presence of extra breast tissue outside the normal breast. It is commonly found in the axillary area and occasionally appears on the chest wall, abdomen and other parts. These excess breast tissues have a similar structure to normal breasts, including mammary lobules, duct system, adipose tissue and connective tissue. The presence of supernumerary breast is caused by the incomplete regression of the mammary line during embryonic development.
The functionality of accessory breast tissue is usually low. Sometimes there is milk secretion and hormonal response, but in most cases it will not assume the main lactation function like normal breasts.
2. The main methods of accessory breast removal surgery
Accessory breast removal surgery mainly uses local excision method, the goal is to completely remove the accessory breast tissue and the excess fat around it. The surgical design must fully consider skin relaxation, scar beauty and functional protection. During the operation, care must be taken to avoid damaging the mammary ducts and neurovascular bundles of the normal breast, especially the breast sensory nerves and lactation-related ducts.
Common resection methods include:
Local skin incision excision : suitable for patients with smaller and shallower accessory breast tissue.
Axillary incision combined with liposuction : suitable for those with high fat content and no obvious glandular tissue.
Skin excision plus tissue remodeling : For patients with larger tissues and loose skin, the surgery may involve local skin excision and remodeling.
The difficulty of the operation lies in how to completely remove the accessory breast tissue while protecting the structure and function of the normal breast.
3. Effects of postoperative breast function
The main functions of the breast include sensation, structural support and lactation. The potential impact of accessory breast removal surgery on these three aspects mainly comes from the following aspects:
Nerve damage and sensory changes
The sensation of the breast is controlled by the nerves around the nipple and on the surface of the skin. When the accessory breast in the armpit and chest wall is removed, some sensory nerves may be stretched or cut, resulting in local numbness, decreased or abnormal sensation after surgery. According to clinical reports, mild nerve damage is more common, and most patients can gradually recover their sensation within a few months after surgery.
Integrity of the mammary ductal system
If the accessory breast tissue is connected to the normal mammary duct system, careless removal may affect the ductal integrity of the normal breast and thus affect the lactation function. Preoperative imaging examinations (such as ultrasound and MRI) can effectively determine the connection between the accessory breast and the normal breast and help formulate a protective strategy.
Changes in organizational structure and appearance
Accessory breast removal reduces excess tissue and may cause local skin tension or scar traction, indirectly affecting breast morphology and tissue elasticity, affecting the supporting structure of the breast, and potentially affecting breast function, but such effects are mostly mild and acceptable.
4. Related Research and Clinical Data
Many clinical studies have shown that the main function of the breast of most patients is not significantly affected after accessory mastectomy . For example:
① A retrospective study involving 50 patients who underwent accessory breast removal showed that more than 90% of the patients had no lactation problems after surgery. A few patients had transient local paresthesias, but most of them were relieved within 6 months.
② Another comparative study pointed out that patients who underwent conservative resection and nerve protection techniques maintained better breast sensation and recovered function faster after surgery.
It should be noted that surgical technique level and detailed preoperative evaluation play a key role in functional preservation.
5. Preoperative evaluation and postoperative management
Preoperative evaluation should focus on:
①. The anatomical relationship between accessory breast and normal breast to avoid accidental injury to normal tissue.
②. Breast feeding needs and patient expectations, especially for women of childbearing age.
③. Consider the skin and soft tissue conditions in the surgical area and plan a reasonable incision design.
Standardized management should be carried out after surgery, including:
①. Wound care and scar prevention.
②. Guidance on sensory function recovery, such as moderate massage.
③. Follow up breast function regularly to detect and deal with abnormalities in a timely manner.
VI. Considerations for Special Populations
For lactating women, accessory breast removal needs to be more cautious to avoid damaging normal mammary ducts. Some patients may choose to undergo surgery after lactation. For adolescent patients, since breast development is not yet complete, the timing and plan of surgery need to be individually evaluated.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
With proper design and operation, accessory breast removal surgery usually does not have a significant impact on the lactation function and sensation of the normal breast. Through sufficient preoperative anatomical evaluation and intraoperative nerve and duct protection measures, the surgery is safe and has a high rate of functional retention. Patients should choose experienced professional doctors, understand the surgical risks and postoperative recovery process in detail, arrange the operation time and plan reasonably, and pay attention to wound care and functional recovery after surgery, which will help reduce discomfort and speed up recovery.