Breast development and areola sensitivity after submammary skin incision for median sternotomy.

Abstract

Vertical incision for median sternotomy may result in unsightly scars. Therefore we have used a horizontal approach in women since the early 1980s. Of 36 women, 27 came for a follow-up examination. A tendency toward scar hypertrophy was found medially in 7 women. Four breast-fed their child after operation. Reduced areola sensitivity occurred in only 9 women. Horizontal submammary skin incision resulted in cosmetically acceptable scar formation and did not harm breast development and lactation.