Background: Sensory loss following reduction mammaplasty remains a key concern for patients. While general tactile recovery has been well studied, less is known about temperature sensation or region-specific recovery patterns. This study evaluates tactile and thermal sensory recovery across the breast and identifies clinical and operative predictors of postoperative sensory loss. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at our institution and enrolled patients undergoing bilateral reduction mammaplasty using a superior or superomedial pedicle and Wise-pattern incisions. Tactile sensation was measured using a pressure-specified device, and thermal sensation was assessed via heat and cold detection. Testing was performed preoperatively, and at 1 month and 3–6 months postoperatively. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of sensory loss, including age, BMI, and resection weight. Results: Forty-nine patients (98 breasts) were included. Tactile sensation worsened significantly at the NAC and inner breast at 1 month but returned to baseline by 3–6 months. Thermal sensation at the NAC and inferior breast remained impaired at 3–6 months. Resection weight predicted early tactile loss, while BMI and age were associated with early thermal deficits. At 3–6 months, higher BMI—but not resection weight—remained a predictor of persistent tactile loss. No long-term predictors of thermal sensation were identified. Conclusion: Tactile and thermal recovery follow distinct patterns after breast reduction. Resection weight affects short-term tactile outcomes, while higher BMI predicts long-term tactile impairment. These findings support personalized patient counseling to guide postoperative patient expectations.
Kochheiser et al. (Thu,) studied this question.