Nipple-areola complex necrosis following skin-reducing subcutaneous mastectomy and immediate implant-based reconstruction using dual-plane envelope (Bostwick-Nava technique)

Abstract

Background: During skin-reducing subcutaneous mastectomy (SRSM) the nipple-areola complex (NAC) is harvested and then repositioned as a free graft. In the dual-plane technique of breast reconstruction an inferior post-mastectomy dermal pedicle flap is de-epithelialised and sutured to the inferior edge of the major pectoral muscle to create a musculodermal pouch for an implant. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of NAC necrosis following SRSM with immediate implant-based dual-plane reconstruction.