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Anatomy of the Superficial Layer of Superficial Fascia Around the Nipple-Areola Complex

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Abstract

Background

The periareolar incision is the preferred method for mammaplasty because of the minimal scarring, and suturing of the superficial fascial system (SFS) is useful for avoiding hypertrophic scarring. In this report, we describe the anatomical location of the SFS around the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) and its histological structure.

Methods

To define the location of the SFS, 20 healthy women were assessed by ultrasonography, and sections of the NAC of 10 female cadavers were examined under a light microscope.

Results

Ultrasonographic examination of sagittal sections of the breast revealed a hyperdense line immediately beneath the skin, which ran parallel with the skin and turned under the NAC. At the turning point, the line thickened to an average of 3.09 mm. The distance between the nipple and the thickest point of the hyperdense line was 10.14 mm on average. Histological structures of the line were collagen and elastic fibers containing smooth muscles that were connected to the dermis and adipose tissue. At the turning point, nerves, blood vessels, and mammary ducts were irregularly observed in the area of collagen and elastic fibers. These structures were intermingled, and the fiber bundle was very thick.

Conclusions

The thickest area of the turning point is an area of the superficial layer of superficial fascia, which is a key structure around the NAC. The detailed anatomical data shown in our study provide good morphological landmarks for the closure of periareolar incisions.

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Acknowledgments

We are indebted to Dr. Helena A. Popiel (PhD, Lecturer, and Medical Editor) and Dr. Edward Barroga (PhD, Associate Professor, and Senior Medical Editor) of the Department of International Medical Communications of Tokyo Medical University for editing and reviewing the English manuscript.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan

    Takako Komiya, Norihito Ito, Ryutaro Imai & Hajime Matsumura

  2. Department of Anatomy, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan

    Masahiro Itoh & Munekazu Naito

  3. Department of Anatomic Pathology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan

    Jun Matsubayashi

Authors
  1. Takako Komiya
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  2. Norihito Ito
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  3. Ryutaro Imai
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  4. Masahiro Itoh
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  5. Munekazu Naito
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  6. Jun Matsubayashi
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  7. Hajime Matsumura
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hajime Matsumura.

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Komiya, T., Ito, N., Imai, R. et al. Anatomy of the Superficial Layer of Superficial Fascia Around the Nipple-Areola Complex. Aesth Plast Surg 39, 209–213 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-015-0455-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-015-0455-2

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