Robbins vs. McKissock: Does the Surgical Technique Change Your Result for Breast Reduction?
The Search for the “Perfect” Technique
When you research breast reduction, you will find several different surgical methods. For decades, surgeons have debated which technique is superior.
Two of the most famous methods are the Inferior Pedicle (Robbins technique) and the Vertical Bipedicle (McKissock technique). Many surgeons prefer one over the other. They often believe their chosen method provides better shapes or fewer complications.
But does the specific technique actually change your final look? A study from the Rambam Medical Center in Israel compared these two approaches to find out.
The Study: A Three-Way Evaluation
Researchers compared two groups of patients. One group had the McKissock technique. The other had the Inferior Pedicle technique.
To get the most accurate results, they used three different perspectives:
- The Patients: How happy were they with their results?
- The Surgeon: How did the doctor rate the aesthetic outcome?
- An Objective Observer: How did a neutral third party rate the breasts?
The Findings: A Statistical Draw
The results were clear: Both techniques are excellent.
- Aesthetics: The researchers found no significant difference in the final aesthetic results. Both groups achieved “good to excellent” outcomes.
- Safety: The complication rates were nearly identical for both methods.
- Satisfaction: Patients in both groups reported high levels of satisfaction. Interestingly, the patients’ own evaluations were very similar to the objective observer’s ratings.
Expert Critique: Why Technique Isn’t Everything
In the accompanying discussion, Dr. Robert Ruberg noted that these results are predictable. He explains that if two techniques use the same Wise Pattern (the “Anchor” scar) for the skin, the final look is usually the same.
However, Dr. Ruberg pointed out several “glaring deficiencies” in the study that patients should keep in mind:
- Different Surgeons: A single senior surgeon performed the McKissock cases. Meanwhile, various residents performed the Inferior Pedicle cases.
- Different Hospitals: The surgeries took place in very different settings (one private and one public hospital).
- Patient Motivation: The two groups of patients had different socioeconomic backgrounds and different motivations for seeking surgery.
The Takeaway for You
This research proves that there is no “best” technique for every patient. The skill and experience of your surgeon matter more than the name of the method they use.
As Dr. Ruberg suggests, no study has ever clearly demonstrated that one technique is superior to all others. Instead, multiple techniques are highly effective at relieving your symptoms and improving your health.
Your Next Step:
Do not choose a surgeon based on a specific “named” technique. Instead, choose a board-certified plastic surgeon whose “Before and After” gallery reflects the results you want.
Ask yourself “Who is the Best Plastic Surgeon Near Me?”.
Contact us to know if you are a suitable candidate for Breast Reduction.
Revera Clinic caters with the Best Plastic Surgeon in Hyderabad!
References
- [1] Ramon, Yitzchak M.D.; et al. “Evaluation and Comparison of Aesthetic Results and Patient Satisfaction with Bilateral Breast Reduction Using the Inferior Pedicle and McKissock’s Vertical Bipedicle Dermal Flap Techniques.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 106(2):p 289-295, August 2000.
- [2] Ruberg, Robert L. M.D. “Discussion: Evaluation and Comparison of Aesthetic Results and Patient Satisfaction with Bilateral Breast Reduction…” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 106(2):p 296-297, August 2000.