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Menstrual cycle affects wound healing in young women undergoing breast reduction

Young women who had bilateral reduction mammoplasty after ovulation had an increased risk for wound healing issues and hypertrophic scarring, according to recently published study results.

Researchers conducted a retrospective chart review of women aged 25 years or younger with a last menstrual period noted in their medical record, who were undergoing bilateral reduction mammoplasty between 2005 and 2013 at University of Texas Medical Branch and Houston Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Practice.

There were a total of 561 breast reductions performed during the study period and 49 women average age, 19.9 years; range 14 to 25 years) with a mean follow-up time of 8 months.

The menstrual cycle was divided into the preovulatory phase of days 1 to 14 after the patients last menstrual cycle, and the postovulatory phase of days 15 to 28.

Development of wound dehiscence and hypertrophic scarring, the most common posteroperative complications, were associated with undergoing bilateral reduction mammoplasty during the postovulatory phase (P <.005). Twenty patients developed wound dehiscence, and 85% of those patients were in the postovulatory cohort. Among the 11 patients who developed hypertrophic scarring, 91% were from the postovulatory cohort.

Hematoma, seroma, wound infection or nipple-areolar complex necrosis rates were not affected by surgery in either phase of the menstrual cycle (P > .05).

Postoperative complication rates were not affected by age, race/ethnicity, BMI, large resection mass or medical comorbidities (P > .05).

“In this article, we show significantly increased wound healing issues and hypertrophic scarring in young women who had surgery after ovulation,” the researchers concluded. “This may be attributable to hormonal fluxes occurring during this phase and the already high hormone levels in this population.”– by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.