HATE McKissock – Keyhole Pattern Breast Marker

The HATE mckissock breast marker is a German-made marking template made of spring-steel wire bent into a keyhole pattern: a circle for the new areola position and two straight legs for the vertical limbs of the incision. It helps the surgeon draw accurate, symmetrical markings before breast reduction and breast lift surgery.

What Is a McKissock Breast Marker?

Many breast reduction and mastopexy techniques, such as the inferior pedicle (Wise pattern) and vertical methods, use a “keyhole” incision pattern. Drawing it freehand on both breasts takes time and can lead to asymmetry. Dr. Paul McKissock developed a wire keyhole pattern with an adjustable angle between the legs, so the template can be adapted to different breast shapes.

The surgeon places the circle at the planned nipple position, opens the legs to the chosen angle, and traces along the wire with a skin marker. The legs of this McKissock breast marker have small marks at regular intervals for measuring the length of the vertical limbs.

Learn more on Wikipedia: Reduction mammoplasty.

Features of the HATE McKissock Breast Marker

• Keyhole pattern: circle and legs for areola and vertical limbs.
• Spring-steel wire: keeps its shape and returns to the original pattern.
• Adjustable leg angle: adapts to different breast sizes and shapes.
• Graduated legs: marks for measuring the vertical limb length.
• Made in Germany: manufactured by HATE from German surgical stainless steel.
• Reusable: can be cleaned and autoclaved between procedures.

Clinical Uses of the Mckissock Breast Marker

The McKissock breast marker is suitable for:

• Preoperative marking for inferior pedicle (Wise pattern) breast reduction.
• Marking for vertical and short-scar breast reduction.
• Mastopexy (breast lift) planning.
• Symmetry checks between both breasts during marking.

Why Use a Keyhole Pattern Template?

Marking is one of the most important steps in breast reduction: the final shape and symmetry depend on it. A rigid keyhole pattern gives the same circle and leg geometry on both sides, so the markings are symmetrical and repeatable. It also saves time in the marking session and makes it easier for less experienced surgeons to follow a proven design. The mckissock breast marker can be adjusted, so one template fits many patients.

How to Use the Mckissock Breast Marker

1. Mark the midline, the breast meridian, and the new nipple position with the patient standing.
2. Place the top of the circle at the planned nipple position, centered on the meridian.
3. Open the legs to the chosen angle and hold the template against the skin.
4. Trace along the inside of the circle and both legs with a skin marker, then repeat on the other side and compare.

German Quality from HATE

HATE is a German manufacturer of surgical instruments with a strong focus on plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgery. Each instrument is forged or machined from high-grade material, hand-finished and checked by experienced instrument makers before it leaves the factory. The result is an instrument with a precise working end, a smooth surface that is easy to clean, and a long working life when it is cared for correctly. Surgronic supplies the full HATE range to hospitals, private clinics, and surgeons in Türkiye and abroad, with fast delivery and support from a team that knows surgical instruments.

Care and Sterilization

Rinse the marker immediately after use. Clean it with a soft brush or in an ultrasonic cleaner, then dry it completely. Sterilize it in an autoclave according to your facility’s validated protocol. Inspect it before every use. Do not bend the wire beyond its normal range, which can change the pattern.

Specifications

• Brand: HATE (Germany)
• Model: McKissock
• Pattern: keyhole, wire
• Circle diameter: 38 / 42 / 45 mm
• Legs: adjustable angle, graduated
• Material: German surgical stainless steel spring wire
• Reusable: yes, autoclavable

Mckissock Breast Marker FAQ

Which circle size do I need?

It depends on the planned areola size.

Can it be used for mastopexy?

Yes, the same keyhole pattern is used for many breast lift techniques.

Is it supplied sterile?

No. Clean and sterilize the marker before first use if it is used in the sterile field.

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