The main sources of blood supply to the breast are described in textbooks as the internal thoracic, lateral thoracic, and posterior intercostal arteries. Textbooks, however, do not describe the contribution of each to the nippie-areoia complex (NAC), nor do they describe the pattern of supply. To investigate this issue, 15 female cadavers were injected intraarterially with latex, and dissections were performed on 27 breasts. The results were as follows: In all the dissected breasts (27/27), the NAC received at least one or more vessels from the internal thoracic artery. In 20 of 27 dissected breasts, the NAC received vessels from the anterior intercostal arteries, In 19 of the 27 dissected breasts, the NAC received vessels from the lateral thoracic artery. Direct branches from the axillary artery supplied the NAC in 2 of the 27 breasts. The posterior intercostal arteries supplied the NAC in only 1 of the 27 dissected breasts. An underlying segmental pattern could be detected that can be explained by the embryological development. According to this study, the internal thoracic arteries are to be considered the main and constantly reliable source of blood supply to the NAC.

Even though the locations of the main sources of blood supply are constant, partial or complete absence of branches from the main sources does occur and therefore the blood supply to the nipple-areola complex is unpredictable. Cognizance of the basic segmental pattern and the variations resulting from embryologic development will be helpful for the surgeon to use or adapt a technique to minimize the risk of nipple necrosis.

Nipple necrosis is a potential complication of breast reduction and mastopexy procedures that can be prevented if the surgeon is acquainted with the arterial blood supply to the breast, particularly the nipple-areolar complex (NAC). A review of the latest research on this with its clinical application is given.

BackgroundThe reasons for recurrent ptosis in mastopexy and breast reduction procedures are twofold. First, available surgical techniques do not reconstruct the normal breast anatomy responsible for maintaining breast shape. Second, in many instances the techniques rely on atrophied tissue to provide long-term support. The discovery in 1997 of the ligamentous suspension (the supporting system of the breast) gave rise to the concept that reconstruction of this anatomical structure was needed to ensure a sustained postoperative result. Applying the latest knowledge regarding the structural and vascular anatomy of the breast in the surgical technique and utilizing material other than atrophied breast tissue enabled us to prevent the recurrence of breast ptosis.MethodsA surgical technique was developed to replace the supportive function of a failed ligamentous suspension in 112 patients with ptotic breasts. This was done by reconstructing an internal breast-supporting system (IBSS) with biocompatible mesh.ResultsSatisfactory breast shape, nipple projection, and upper breast fullness was obtained with this technique in mastopexy patients with moderate-sized ptotic breasts. In patients with larger breasts good results were obtained with a simultaneous breast reduction. The longest follow-up is 6 years 3 months.ConclusionsWith this technique recurrent breast ptosis can be prevented in mastopexy and breast reduction procedures. The results are such that it eliminates the need for silicone prostheses to obtain satisfactory upper-breast fullness. The surgical technique is especially indicated in patients with skin of poor quality or patients with high expectations.

The posteroinferomedial pedicle technique is safe and versatile and can be used with a periareolar, vertical scar, or inverted-T skin approach. The technique is easy to perform and has a short learning curve.