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Use of periareolar incision only factor associated with galactorrhea after breast augmentation

In a retrospective chart review, researchers found the use of a periareolar incision during breast augmentation was the only factor associated with a significantly increased risk of galactorrhea.

A total of 832 patients who underwent primary breast augmentation using silicone implants at a single practice between 2008 and 2013 were included in the study. Mean follow-up period was 15 months. The researchers applied logistic regression for rare events data to evaluate the patients’ risk for galactorrhea based on the variables present.

During the follow-up period, eight patients (0.96%) experienced galactorrhea with bilateral involvement. The mean time of symptom onset after surgery was 17.9 days.

No correlation was found between galactorrhea and the patients’ weight, parity, use of oral contraceptives, chosen breast pocket or size of implant.

Prolactin levels in patients with galactorrhea ranged from 23 ng/mL to 150 ng/mL, with an average level of 63.6 ng/mL; 27 ng/mL was considered normal, according to the researchers. Seven of the eight patients were found to have hyperprolactinemia, and one patient’s levels were normal.

All three patients with a galactocele aspirated milk, and the volume aspirated averaged 350 cc.

Complete remission occurred for five of the eight patients after 1 week to 3 weeks of a dopamine agonist drug treatment. Additionally, all eight patients experienced complete remission after 2 months of treatment with aspiration, whereby the medication was tapered off.

The researchers found use of a periareolar incision was the only risk factor in the study. – by Abigail Sutton

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.