Autologous islanded breast enhancement by reversed abdominoplasty (AIBERA) flap

Abstract

We present a surgical technique of recuperating tissue from the upper abdominal wall, based on the superior epigastric artery perforators, thereby providing tissue for autologous augmentation of the breasts in combination with reversed abdominoplasty in patients after massive weight loss. A 20-year-old woman was seen in the outpatient clinic with a large residual skin laxity of the superior abdomen following circular abdominoplasty after weight loss of 55 kg. She was dissatisfied with the appearance of her breasts and superior abdomen. Bilaterally, pedicled SEAP flaps were harvested from the epigastric region. In addition, a reversed abdominoplasty was performed. The flaps were secured in a retroglandular pocket superiorly to the anterior chest wall in order to augment the breasts. The islanded pedicled SEAP flap in combination with reversed abdominoplasty is a useful and safe technique for autologous breast augmentation following massive weight loss. In addition, the potential risk of implant-related complications is eliminated as implants are replaced by autologous tissue. Level of evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.