My surgeon is wanting to use the Passot aka No Vertical Scar Technique on my breast reduction. From the studies I've read, the general impression is that the technique gives a rather "boxy" and flat appearance. What are your thoughts? Should I discuss the anchor technique as an option? I really want to achieve something a little more perkier and pre-babies. Thank you for your professional opinions!
December 3, 2013
Answer: Breast Reduction technique: Anchor, Vertical or Passot: No vertical: what's best? You are very astute and have done your homework. As you have surmised, different techniques do different things. While there is always a desire for "no scar" meaning no visible scar, any breast reduction or breast lift will leave scars. The finesse is to reshape, reduce and control tension so scars can heal optimally. I think of these techniques in a simple way: vertical and or horizontal ellipse. The vertical ellipse (vertical technique) makes the breast base narrower ( good for wide, flat breasts) and creates projection. Remember, the breast is a sphere (really an ellipsoid sphere). That is why a vertical technique would help you have a narrower base, less flatness and more round shape and projection.An anchor is a combined vertical and horizontal ellipse. If you draw these two shapes on paper ( 2 dimensional) it seems very logical. Problem is that the breast is not two dimensions, it is three dimensions! so a transverse or horizontal ellipse will flatten the breast projection and widen the breast base; the opposite of the vertical. Why both? When the anchor was popularized, surgeons were afraid that the lower pole of the breast would be too long and so a "shortening" was used; thus the combined ellipses and the anchor scar. It is a very popular technique and excellent for smaller, less projecting breasts. The Passot, no vertical scar, has only a scar in the crease and one around the areola. It does create a wider breast base, and does not increase projection.As you are very aware, not every woman's breasts are the same and so different techniques are at the surgeon's disposal to address different reducing and shaping challenges.I have attached a blog about the vertical technique. I would suggest you talk to your plastic surgeon and have an open discussion about different techniques and what is best for you.
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December 3, 2013
Answer: Breast Reduction technique: Anchor, Vertical or Passot: No vertical: what's best? You are very astute and have done your homework. As you have surmised, different techniques do different things. While there is always a desire for "no scar" meaning no visible scar, any breast reduction or breast lift will leave scars. The finesse is to reshape, reduce and control tension so scars can heal optimally. I think of these techniques in a simple way: vertical and or horizontal ellipse. The vertical ellipse (vertical technique) makes the breast base narrower ( good for wide, flat breasts) and creates projection. Remember, the breast is a sphere (really an ellipsoid sphere). That is why a vertical technique would help you have a narrower base, less flatness and more round shape and projection.An anchor is a combined vertical and horizontal ellipse. If you draw these two shapes on paper ( 2 dimensional) it seems very logical. Problem is that the breast is not two dimensions, it is three dimensions! so a transverse or horizontal ellipse will flatten the breast projection and widen the breast base; the opposite of the vertical. Why both? When the anchor was popularized, surgeons were afraid that the lower pole of the breast would be too long and so a "shortening" was used; thus the combined ellipses and the anchor scar. It is a very popular technique and excellent for smaller, less projecting breasts. The Passot, no vertical scar, has only a scar in the crease and one around the areola. It does create a wider breast base, and does not increase projection.As you are very aware, not every woman's breasts are the same and so different techniques are at the surgeon's disposal to address different reducing and shaping challenges.I have attached a blog about the vertical technique. I would suggest you talk to your plastic surgeon and have an open discussion about different techniques and what is best for you.
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November 27, 2013
Answer: Passot or No Vertical Scar Breast Reduction. What is your opinion? It can be an excellent result but has a very limited number of patients that are appropriate candidates. I am always surprised at the number of patients worried about the vertical scar. In my experience it is almost invisible by the end of 6-12 months.
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November 27, 2013
Answer: Passot or No Vertical Scar Breast Reduction. What is your opinion? It can be an excellent result but has a very limited number of patients that are appropriate candidates. I am always surprised at the number of patients worried about the vertical scar. In my experience it is almost invisible by the end of 6-12 months.
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