Purpose: Limited incision techniques of reduction mammaplasty have experienced increased popularity in recent years. In this study, we evaluated patient preferences for breast reduction scar location.

Methods: All patients in our practice who had undergone bilateral Wise-pattern reduction mammaplasty between July 1999 and June 2004 were included. Responses were generated from anonymous questionnaires.

Results: Of the 57 survey respondents, 49 were highly satisfied with their breast reduction surgery. However, 37 respondents indicated dissatisfaction with their surgical scars (p=0.02). Thirty-one patients were bothered by one particular component of the scar. Of these patients, 20 indicated that the horizontal component was most bothersome (p<0.001). Patients were then asked which part of the scar they would erase, if they could do so. Of the 46 respondents, 23 patients indicated that they would erase the vertical component (p=0.02).

Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of promoting operations that minimize breast reduction scars. One can deduce from the patient opinions expressed in this study that short-scar breast reduction options—both pure vertical and pure horizontal techniques--would be welcomed. The choice of technique must be tailored to a particular patient, so as to minimize the overall scar burden, while maximizing symptom relief and aesthetic outcome.