Response to “Avoiding Tension of Wound Closure in Reduction Mammaplasty and Mastopexy in Previously Irradiated Breasts”

Abstract

We praise Dr Rudolph for correctly recognizing that tension of wound closure is a relevant, yet often ignored, cause of an increased risk of surgical complications in previously irradiated tissues.1 In studies published in the scientific literature and in clinical practice, surgeons have demonstrated that irradiated tissues have a well-defined tendency to generate fibrosis and scarring.1 Indeed, we agree that radiation-induced fibrosis impairs the ability of surgeons to avoid tension in molded tissues, which eventually compromises the final outcomes and increases the …