Skin Envelope Research Articles

Optimizing the Mastectomy Flap to Improve Aesthetic Outcomes.

The aesthetics of breast reconstruction inherently rely on both the ablative and reconstructive procedures. Mastectomy flap quality remains one of the most critical factors in determining the success of a reconstruction and its aesthetic outcome. Maintaining the segmental perfusion to the nipple and skin envelope during mastectomy requires preserving the subcutaneous tissue superficial to the breast capsule. Because this layer of tissue varies in thickness among different patients and within each breast, anatomic dissection along the appropriate planes is required rather than a "one-size-fits-all" mentality. A team-based approach between the breast surgeon and plastic surgeon will optimize both the ablative and reconstructive procedures while engaging in a process of shared decision-making with the patient. Preoperative clinical analysis and utilization of imaging to assess individual breast anatomy will help guide mastectomies as well as decisions on reconstructive modalities. Critical assessment of mastectomy flaps is paramount and requires flexibility to adapt reconstructive paradigms intraoperatively to minimize the risk of complications and provide the best aesthetic result.

Optimizing Aesthetic Outcomes in Breast Reconstruction After Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) has been associated with improved quality of life and patient satisfaction with similar oncologic outcomes compared with traditional mastectomy techniques. By conserving the nipple-areola complex and the majority of the breast skin envelope, NSM allows for improved aesthetic outcomes after breast reconstruction. However, the technique is also associated with a steep learning curve that must be considered to achieve optimal outcomes. It is important that the plastic surgeon functions in concert with the extirpative breast surgeon to optimize outcomes because the reconstruction is ultimately dependent on the quality of the overlying mastectomy flaps. Various other factors influence the complex interplay between aesthetic and reconstructive outcomes in NSM, including preoperative evaluation, specific implant- and autologous-based considerations, as well as techniques to optimize and correct nipple-areola complex position. Management strategies for complications necessary to salvage a successful reconstruction are also reviewed. Lastly, techniques to expand indications for NSM and maximize nipple viability as well as preshape the breast are discussed. Through thoughtful preoperative planning and intraoperative technique, ideal aesthetic results in NSM may be achieved.

A Quantitative Analysis of Inframammary Fold Position Changes With Radiation After Tissue Expander Placement and Exchange

BACKGROUND: Postmastectomy radiation therapy has well-defined ill effects on the character of the skin envelope of the breast, most directly causing contraction and elevation of the breast, especially at the inframammary fold (IMF). These effects negatively impact breast symmetry, overall aesthetic outcomes, and patient satisfaction. Though radiation-induced skin changes have been qualitatively described, quantitative changes to the position of the IMF due to radiation have not yet been described. Despite maneuvers to lower the fold when postmastectomy radiation therapy is expected, the reoperation rates have been reported as high as 28%. Delineating numerical values may allow more specific intraoperative adjustments to better approximate the IMF to the pretreatment level. Herein we discuss our analysis of the effect of radiation on IMF position in patients who underwent expander placement and subsequent radiation. METHODS: Patients who underwent breast reconstruction with tissue expanders from January 2015 to October 2019 at UCLA by four attending surgeons were reviewed. Operative reports were reviewed and indicated disruption of the IMF in all patients during mastectomies, requiring resetting of the IMF with suture. Patient inclusion criteria required that patients have corresponding sets of pictures at three timepoints: (1) preoperative (before mastectomy), (2) postoperative (after tissue expander placement and before radiation), and (3) postradiation (before exchange to permanent implant). Photographs were retrospectively analyzed by a single surgeon. In the lateral view, the distance from the acromion to IMF was measured, compared with acromion to elbow, and recorded as a ratio to allow for variation of photographic focal length differences. Changes in IMF from pre- to postradiation were measured as a percentage change. RESULTS: Fifteen patients with appropriate photos over the past year were analyzed of which 10 had pictures at all three timepoints, and 5 had only the last 2 timepoints and were excluded. All operative reports were reviewed verifying that the IMF was disrupted after mastectomy in all group. Fourteen had unilateral radiation and 1 had bilateral radiation, thus 16 breasts were reviewed separately. For the 10 patients with preoperative photos, the IMF ratio from timepoints 1–3 (preoperative to postradiation) was −12.5% + 5.2%, indicating a significant elevation of the IMF following radiation. CONCLUSIONS: Inframammary position after tissue expander placement and radiation reliably elevates approximately 12% above the position of the preoperative fold. This study is the first of its kind to quantitatively measure radiation change elevation on the IMF in tissue expander reconstructions. This finding may be a useful guide for setting the IMF at the time of tissue expander placement and avoid need for the second stage fold lowering at the time of implant exchange.

Mastopexy

Mastopexy and mastopexy-augmentation are commonly performed surgeries to lift ptotic breasts while improving breast shape and volume. Factors that cause breast ptosis include aging, hormonal changes, and weight loss. Common surgical approaches for mastopexy utilize the periareolar, vertical, and wise techniques. All of these techniques incorporate parenchymal rearrangement in addition to skin envelope resection in order to achieve the patient’s aesthetic goals. A plastic surgeon should carefully select the appropriate mastopexy technique based on a patient’s preoperative grade of ptosis, breast shape/volume, and aesthetic goals. Many of these mastopexy techniques can be combined with implant augmentation, either as a single or two-stage procedure in appropriate patients with volume concerns. Revisions tend to be more common after implant-augmentations and may be necessary based on patient concerns and surgeon discretion. This review contains 5 figures, 5 tables, and 14 references Keywords: mastopexy, mastopexy-augmentation, breast lift, breast ptosis, vertical mastopexy, periareolar mastopexy, wise pattern mastopexy, breast surgery

Guidelines for breast reconstruction during the COVID-19 pandemic: Are we considering enough evidence?

Guidelines for breast reconstruction during the COVID-19 pandemic: Are we considering enough evidence?

Shaping of the abdominal flap in breast reconstruction: The coning technique in muscle sparing TRAM

In the setting of autologous breast reconstruction, achieving an aesthetic outcome through shaping of the flap is of the upmost importance. We describe the abdominal flap folding technique of ‘coning’ and the indications. We define ‘coning’ as the technique of folding the abdominal flap in a circular fashion to create a conical breast mound, with the line of fusion forming a pillar of tissue for structural integrity. A retrospective study of 34 patients undergoing unilateral muscle-sparing TRAM flap was performed. Of these patients, the majority (79.4%) underwent immediate reconstruction, with the thoracodorsal vessels largely acting as the recipients (94.1%). Three (8.8%) patients were noted to have a contour defect secondary to incomplete folding of the flap. Two (5.9%) patients had partial skin envelope necrosis. One patient had 50% flap loss, requiring return to theatre for excision. In conclusion, coning was used exclusively in the muscle-sparing TRAM flap. This cuff of muscle protected the pedicle during folding through cushioning the perforators at their most vulnerable points. This technique allowed for muscle cuff harvest whilst minimising anterior sheath sacrifice. Coning achieved long-term maintenance of shape, volume and projection.

Application of periareolar mastopexy technique for giant phyllodes tumor resection in an adolescent female with breast asymmetry: a case report and literature review

BackgroundThe phyllodes tumors are rare neoplastic disease which exhibits a benign behavior in adolescents female. After resection of a large benign breast tumor, insufficient breast contour may result with nipple areola complex malposition. As symmetry of the breast is psychologically extremely crucial, especially in adolescents, in such cases, an immediate mammoplasty-like breast reduction or mastopexy technique of the affected breast will be necessary to provide symmetry of the bilateral breasts at the initial surgery.Case presentationA 16-year-old woman reported rapid enlargement of a large mass in her left breast over 12 months. The physical examination revealed a huge mass that occupied the lower quadrants of her left breast causing expansion of both the overlying skin and the nipple areolar complex. A biopsy was constant with a benign phyllodes tumor. We have applied a periareolar mastopexy technique to allow tumor resection through exposure incision at the lower half of the outer periareolar circular incision. At the same time, we reduced the expanded skin envelope and mobilized the nipple–areola complex to restore breast symmetry.ConclusionThe periareolar mastopexy approach provides a wide surgical exposure, allows excision of benign giant breast tumor, and simultaneous restoration of the breast shape with favorable aesthetic results and minimal postoperative scarring.

No-Scar Breast Reduction Utilizing Power-Assisted Liposuction Mammaplasty, Loops, and Lipofilling.

In continued interest to develop and refine minimally invasive procedures, recent publications reported a scarless approach in breast lifting. The authors sought to describe a power-assisted lipomodeling technique combined with surgical loops to achieve breast reduction and reshaping with minimal scars. Between 2014 and 2018, 94 patients underwent breast reduction by combined liposuction and loops. Following infiltration of the breasts, liposuction of the outer quadrants and the lower pole was achieved to reduce the breast footprint and the lateral and inferior heaviness of the breast. After multiaxial multiplanar tunnelization, 3 types of loops were taken around the breast to suspend and elevate the breast skin envelope and parenchyma. Each loop was guided through a 3-mm, 3-hole cannula passed through skin stab incisions. The first loop was designed to reduce the breast footprint and enhance the breast projection, whereas the second loop was designed to achieve breast conus remodeling. The third loop was passed circumferentially around the areola and then cephalad along the breast axis and pulled until the desired nipple-areola complex elevation was reached. Each loop was pulled to achieve the desired breast projection and shape. The authors achieved breast reduction with a mean nipple elevation of 7.3 cm, and 88% of patients were satisfied with their breast shape. The total complication rate was 1%, including mild cellulitis in 1 breast, treated efficiently with oral antibiotics. The proposed technique is a novel, simple, and safe alternative to achieve breast reduction and reshaping without a scar.

A classification system and treatment algorithm for mastectomy flap ischemia in alloplastic breast reconstruction

Mastectomy flap necrosis remains a major cause of failed breast reconstruction with an associated significant financial/psychological burden. Language describing ischemic mastectomy flaps is imprecise as ischemia can result from many causes and can manifest in different ways. Similarly, management of mastectomy flap ischemia varies depending on its etiology. Intraoperative near-infrared imaging (NIR) with indocyanine green (ICG) is an established modality for evaluation of mastectomy flap perfusion. Herein, we define the types of flap ischemia demonstrated via NIR imaging and propose an algorithm for its management. A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent mastectomy and NIR imaging of mastectomy flaps from 2014 to 2017. Patient characteristics, operative details, and outcomes were recorded. Following retrospective review, distinct patterns of ischemia were identified, and a classification system and treatment algorithm were developed. Type A; diffuse hypoperfusion can be caused by a number of factors (hypotension, vasoconstrictive agents, etc.). It is best treated with delayed reconstruction. Type B; geographic hypoperfusion may be caused by electro-cautery burn, inaccurate dissection, or retractor injury. It can be treated by resection/primary closure or delayed reconstruction. Type C; marginal/incisional hypoperfusion is best treated with debridement. Type D; diffuse marginal perfusion is seen with overfilled tissue-expanders or an oversized implant within a smaller skin envelope. Management includes deflation/downsizing. An algorithm was developed for treatment of the four ischemia types. NIR imaging aides in delineating the type of ischemic injury. Classification of mastectomy flap ischemia allows precise communication between providers and provides a framework for decision-making.

Simulation of life-like distal humerus and olecranon fractures in fresh frozen human cadaveric specimens

Abstract Background Economic burden and personnel shortages lead to a reduction in the time spent on surgical training of young resident physicians. This underlines the importance of courses for learning and optimizing surgical skills. Particularly for orthopaedic trauma surgery, training on fractured cadaveric specimens has proven highly useful. The present study investigates a method to induce realistic fracture patterns in fresh frozen elbow specimens, leaving the skin and soft tissue envelope intact. Methods For fracture simulation, 10 human cadaveric specimens with intact soft tissue envelopes were placed in 90° flexion in a custom-made high-impact test bench and compressed by an impactor. The fractures were subsequently classified using conventional x‑rays. Results Of the 10 specimens, 6 could be classified as distal humerus fractures and 4 as olecranon fractures. The fractures of the distal humerus were mainly type C according to Arbeitsgemeinschaft Osteosynthesefragen (AO) criteria, the olecranon fractures were mainly type IIB according to the Mayo classification. Subsequently, all 10 specimens would have been appropriate for use in musculoskeletal trauma courses. Conclusion With the given setup it was possible to induce realistic fracture patterns in fresh frozen cadaveric specimens. The advantage of the presented technique lies in the preservation of soft tissue. With their intact soft tissue envelopes, these pre-fractured preparations could be used in courses to precisely train resident physicians directly on human cadaver preparations. Further research should focus on finding reliable predictors to improve the precision of fracture induction in specimens.

Oncoplastic Procedures in Preparation for Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy and Autologous Breast Reconstruction: Controlling the Breast Envelope.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy has been associated with superior aesthetic outcomes and oncologic safety. However, traditional contraindications, such as breast ptosis/macromastia, have excluded a large number of patients. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a staged approach would expand the indications for nipple-areolar complex preservation and permit greater control over nipple-areolar complex position and skin envelope following autologous reconstruction. A retrospective analysis was conducted of female patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer or BRCA mutation with grade 2 or 3 ptosis and/or macromastia who underwent bilateral (oncoplastic) reduction/mastopexy (stage 1) followed by bilateral nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction with free abdominal flaps (stage 2). The authors were specifically interested in the incidence of mastectomy skin necrosis and nipple-areolar complex necrosis and malposition following stage 2. Sixty-one patients with a mean age of 45.1 years (range, 28 to 62 years) and mean body mass index of 32.6 kg/m (range, 23.4 to 49.0 kg/m) underwent reconstruction with 122 flaps. The mean interval between stage 1 and 2 was 16.9 weeks (range, 3 to 31 weeks). Clear margins were obtained in all cases of invasive cancer and in situ disease following stage 1. Complications following stage 2 included partial nipple-areolar complex necrosis (n = 5, 8.2 percent), complete nipple-areolar complex necrosis (n = 4, 6.6 percent), nipple-areolar complex malposition (n = 1, 1.6 percent), and mastectomy skin necrosis (n = 4, 6.6 percent). No flap loss was noted in this series. Patients with moderate to severe breast ptosis and/or macromastia who wish to undergo mastectomy with reconstruction can be offered nipple-sparing approaches safely if a staged algorithm is implemented. Therapeutic, IV.

Biplanar Technique for Breast Implant Replacement through Mastectomy Scar.

Background:Implant-based breast reconstruction is the most commonly used modality for breast reconstruction. A 2-stage reconstruction is employed when the skin envelope is insufficient. In the first stage, a tissue expander is placed in a pocket created beneath the pectoralis major muscle and an acellular dermal matrix (ADM). In the second stage, the expander is replaced with a permanent implant. Though the second stage is safer, some studies have published an immediate complication rate of up to 11.4%, and even higher in the event of prior radiotherapy.Methods:We present a novel biplanar technique for implant replacement through the mastectomy scar. The goal of our technique is to make incisions of the skin and the incorporated ADM in 2 separate planes, hopefully lowering the risk for dehiscence, deep infection, and reconstruction failure. We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent tissue expander or implant replacement surgery using the biplanar technique between January 2012 and January 2018 by the senior author.Results:Eleven consecutively presenting patients underwent 8 tissue expanders and 6 silicone implant replacement surgeries. Three patients had received prior radiation therapy in the operated breast. None of the patients had complications nor needed a revision surgery.Conclusions:The biplanar technique for implant or tissue expander replacement through the mastectomy scar following breast reconstruction shows promising results in our series of patients and may prove useful in reducing postoperative incisional dehiscence, deep infection, and implant exposure. Nonetheless, further large-scale studies are required to evaluate the effectiveness of this technique.

Nasal Skin and Soft Tissue Thickness Variation Among Differing Races and Ethnicities: An Objective Radiographic Analysis.

Importance: Nasal skin and soft tissue envelope (SSTE) thickness has considerable effects on procedural planning and postoperative outcomes in rhinoplasty surgery. Objective understanding of relative SSTE thickness in patients is essential to optimal outcomes in rhinoplasty, and knowledge of its variation by demographic group is of aid to surgeons. Objective: To measure and compare nasal SSTE thickness across different races and nasal subsites and to determine whether objective variability exists for these parameters. Design, Setting, Participants: Retrospective cross-sectional radiographic analysis was carried out on 200 adult patients, without nasal deformity, presenting to an academic otolaryngology clinic at a tertiary care academic referral center. Blinded evaluators measured nasal SSTE thickness at six sites on maxillofacial computed tomography (CT) scans and comparisons were made based on patient-reported race/ethnicity categories available in the electronic medical record. Intervention: N/A Main Outcomes and Measures: Nasal SSTE thickness was measured at six predefined anatomic sites using high-resolution CT imaging. Statistical comparisons between races/ethnicities were made based on these measurements. Results: Mean age of patients was 48.8 years, and 47% were male. Nasal SSTE showed thicker soft tissue at the sellion in Latin American (LA; mean (SD) 6.1 (1.8) mm) and white (5.8 (1.8) mm) patients vs. African American (AfA) and Asian American (AsA) patients. The supratip was thicker in AfA patients (5.2 (1.3) mm) vs. all other races. The tip SSTE was thinner in white patients (2.4 (0.7) mm) vs. all other races. Composite nasal SSTE thickness was thinner in AsA patients (3.22 (0.8) mm) relative to AfA and LA patients. Conclusions and Relevance: SSTE thickness influences surgical planning and postoperative outcomes in rhinoplasty patients. This study supports varied thickness of the nasal SSTE among patients of different races. These data are foundational in providing a framework for developing treatment strategies specific to the SSTE properties of a multicultural patient population.

P12 The role of indocyanine green laser angiography in implant-based breast Reconstruction: A systematic review

Background and purpose Breast reconstruction is an important part of treatment for women with breast cancer necessitating preservation of the skin envelope during mastectomy. Mastectomy flap necrosis reportedly complicates up to 25% of skin sparing mastectomies and intraoperative evaluation of this flap has traditionally been done by the surgeon. Indocyanine-green angiography (ICG-A) provides an objective assessment of flap perfusion potentially resulting in a reduction in flap loss and wound complications. We performed a systematic review investigating the role of ICG-A in implant-based breast reconstruction, with a particular interest in the reduction in mastectomy flap necrosis. Methods A systematic literature review identified peer-reviewed studies from January 2000 to May 2019 in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and PubMed reporting complication rates in implant-based reconstruction with and without the use of ICG-A. The database search and screening of suitable abstracts was performed by two authors (VF, IM) and two authors (AC, SW) independently reviewed all suitable articles. Results There was a total of 1212 breast reconstructions from five non-randomised studies comparing rates of flap necrosis before and after implementation of ICG-A. Prior to use of ICG-A, flap necrosis rates ranged from 6.7% - 27%. After institution of ICG-A, this decreased to 0.9% - 14%. Conclusion ICG-A results in a reduction in rates of mastectomy flap necrosis for implant based breast reconstruction and fewer returns to theatre, although this should be further validated in a randomised controlled fashion.

Surgeon\u2019s preference of subcutaneous tissue resection: most important factor for short-term complications in subcutaneous implant placement after mastectomy\u2014results of a cohort study

PurposeLittle is known about the reason of high short-term complication rates after the subcutaneous placement of breast implants or expanders after mastectomy without biological matrices or synthetic meshes. This study aims to evaluate complications and their risk factors to develop guidelines for decreasing complication rates.MethodsWe included all cases of mastectomy followed by subcutaneous implant or expander placement between 06/2017 and 05/2018 (n = 92). Mean follow-up time was 12 months.ResultsExplantation occurred in 15 cases (16.3%). The surgeon’s preference for moderate vs. radical subcutaneous tissue resection had a significant influence on explantation rates (p = 0.026), impaired wound healing or infection (requiring surgery) (p = 0.029, p = 0.003 respectively) and major complications (p = 0.018).Multivariate analysis revealed significant influence on complication rates for radical subcutaneous tissue resection (p up to 0.003), higher implant volume (p up to 0.023), higher drain volume during the last 24 h (p = 0.049), higher resection weight (p = 0.035) and incision type (p = 0.011).ConclusionBased on the significant risk factors we suggest the following guidelines to decrease complication rates: favoring thicker skin envelopes after surgical preparation, using smaller implants, removing drains based on a low output volume during the last 24 h and no use of periareolar incision with extension medial or lateral. We should consider ADMs for subcutaneous one-stage reconstructions.The individual surgeon’s preference of subcutaneous tissue resection is of highest relevance for short-term complications—this has to be part of internal team discussions and should be considered in future trials for comparable results.

Autoaugmentation mastopexy using the double-flap technique

Breast drooping usually results from two concomitant factors: breast parenchymal involution, which leads to volume loss, altogether with a progressive laxity of the skin envelope which becomes inelastic and flabby (means so loose). The authors propose a double-flap technique which includes transposition of inferiorly based dermoglandular tissue underneath a superiorly based flap to achieve a central projection and upper fullness altogether with raising the inframammary crease. From May 2016 to November 2018, 25 patients underwent a double-flap autoaugmentation mammoplasty performed by the authors. Ages ranged from 25 to 45 years. All patients were nonsmokers and had body mass indexes (BMI) of less than 30. The mean follow-up period was 18 months All cases have had grade III breast ptosis with a broad-base, flappy breasts with deficient central projection. All patients aimed at having an augmented, elevated breast without insertion of a silicon implant. A total of 23 cases showed a significant improvement in breast contour and central projection, with overall satisfaction to both patient and surgeon. Two cases progressed to an implant augmentation subsequent to the mastopexy. One patient had postoperative seroma that were managed with frequent aspirations. The nipple areola complex (NAC) wounds passed smoothly in all cases without any complications regarding the vascularity or wound infection. The double-flap autoaugmentation mastopexy is a method of breast reshaping that adopts a concept of glandular rearrangement. In properly selected patients with adequate breast volume and moderate skin elasticity, with mild to moderate ptosis, who refuse a prosthetic implant insertion, this procedure safely and adequately restores the youthful conical breast appearance. Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Simultaneous bi-pedicled DIEP and TUG flaps to enhance cosmetic outcome in unilateral delayed breast reconstruction: two flaps with three pedicles for one breast

Autologous breast reconstruction using free tissue transfer allows ‘like-for-like’ restoration of skin and volume following a mastectomy. Even though the majority of patients will require only one flap to restore their anatomy, occasionally, more than one flap is needed to get the best possible cosmetic outcome. For reconstructing the breast of a slim 49-year-old female patient, a bi-pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator flap was used to replace the missing skin envelope, in combination with a buried transverse upper gracilis flap for volume restoration. The internal mammary vessels between the second and fourth costal cartilages were used as sole vessel recipient site, by preserving their intercostal perforators. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged 2 days after her operation. This case shows how a bi-pedicled DIEP with a TUG flap can be used for the challenging scenario in which reconstructive and cosmetic goals are equally important.Level of evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.

Use of Sentinel Lymph Node Incision for Second Stage Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction After Radiation.

Staged expander to implant breast reconstruction is associated with a high complication rate when the patient has had postmastectomy radiation. With an increasing number of American women undergoing implant-based breast reconstruction after postmastectomy radiation, surgeons may find themselves operating in a radiated field with synthetic devices. We report the performance characteristics of a novel surgical modification to the second stage expander to implant exchange after adjuvant radiation using a transaxillary approach through a prior sentinel lymph node incision, a site remote from the breast implant pocket. We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database to evaluate the surgical outcomes of serial patients undergoing second staged expander to implant exchange through the sentinel lymph node incision 6 months or more after completing whole breast radiation. A case matched cohort to age, body mass index, and comorbid status was used to compare outcomes between patients in the group of interest versus a traditional skin sparing incision on the anterior breast mound through the radiated skin envelope. All patients included demonstrated grade 1 or 2 skin changes on the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Late Radiation Morbidity Scoring Schema for the skin organ system. Nineteen breasts were reconstructed for 18 women after immediate tissue expander placement and adjuvant whole breast radiation were included in our group of interest. Forty-one case-matched second controls were identified for the comparison group. There were no intraoperative complications. Two postoperative complications were reported for the sentinel lymph node approach group (10.5%) with an average of 9 months of follow-up: 1 operative exploration for hematoma and 1 minor wound requiring recloser in the office. The case matched cohort demonstrated significantly more minor postoperative complications (P = 0.037) with a total complications rate of 41.4%. There were 31.7% of the patients that experienced a minor complication alone, whereas 9.7% of the case-matched cohort experienced a major complication. These data support the use of the existing axillary sentinel lymph node access incision for second stage placement of a gel implant after immediate expander and adjuvant radiation therapy. The sentinel lymph node incision approach facilitates layered closure over the breast pocket at a site remote from irradiated tissue, reducing the incidence of postoperative minor complications. Forthcoming long-term data will determine if differences in reported capsular contracture rates can be achieved with a remote transaxillary approach to second stage implant reconstruction after radiation.

Follow-Up Study: One-Step Salvage of Infected Prosthetic Breast Reconstructions Using Antibiotic-Impregnated Polymethylmethacrylate Plates and Concurrent Tissue Expander Exchange.

Periprosthetic infections represent major complications in breast reconstruction, frequently leading to expander-implant loss. No consensus regarding a management algorithm for attempted salvage currently exists. This study assessed outcomes of the authors' salvage protocol using an antibiotic-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate implant with expander device exchange. A retrospective chart review identified infected implant-based breast reconstruction cases treated between 2009 and 2017. Of 626 cases initially identified, a total of 62 cases had severe prosthetic infections, and underwent either prosthetic salvage (n = 45) or immediate explantation (n = 17). All the prosthetic salvage patients received intravenous antibiotics followed by surgical débridement, insertion of polymethylmethacrylate plates, device exchange, and postoperative antibiotics. After clinical resolution of infection, tissue expansion was performed, with the polymethylmethacrylate plates remaining in situ until exchanged for permanent implants. The authors' study demonstrated a primary infection clearance rate of 82.2 percent (n = 37). Compared to the traditional explantation group, a significantly higher percentage of the salvage patients completed final reconstruction (84.4 percent versus 35.3 percent; p < 0.001). Fewer patients abandoned reconstruction efforts after infection clearance (2.2 percent versus 58.8 percent; p < 0.001). The majority of cases (78.8 percent) that succeeded the salvage protocol ultimately received implant-based reconstruction; 62.5 percent that failed the salvage protocol still went on to receive autologous tissue reconstruction. Sustained local antibiotic delivery using polymethylmethacrylate implants and expander device exchange can successfully salvage an infected breast expander/implant. Compared with the traditional explantation approach, more patients complete final reconstruction. Other benefits include preserved skin envelope integrity and possibly improved long-term aesthetic outcomes. Therapeutic, III.

Nipple-sparing Mastectomy and Ptosis: Using a Free Nipple Graft with Tissue Expander Reconstruction.

Background:Nipple-sparing mastectomies are increasingly offered to women with breast cancer given the evidence for oncologic safety and improved cosmetic outcomes. Women with significant ptosis are often excluded due to potential nipple malposition and increased risk of nipple ischemia. The use of a harvested free nipple graft may allow women with ptosis to conserve their nipple -areolar complex.Methods:This is an IRB approved retrospective study of breast cancer patients at an academic center with ptosis who underwent free-nipple graft mastectomies with a single plastic surgeon and 5 dedicated breast surgeons from 2014-2017. The primary outcomes were free nipple graft viability and the need for revision. Secondary outcomes included post-operative complications.Results:Fourteen women with ptosis underwent skin and nipple-sparing mastectomy with breast reconstruction involving use of harvested free-nipple graft. More than half of the women were diagnosed with early-stage invasive breast cancer (42% stage 1, 14% stage 2). Four women underwent mastectomy for prophylaxis or other benign reasons. All of the women had significant ptosis during the pre-operative evaluation (57% grade 2 ptosis, 36% grade 3 ptosis, and 7% uncategorized), with an average BMI of 30. None were active smokers. In the postoperative period, one had partial nipple necrosis in combination with skin flap necrosis and positive margin (7%). Other complications included infection (14%) and hypopigmentation (14%). All nipples lost sensation and full projection.Conclusions:This is a novel approach using a free nipple graft with a skin envelope reducing mastectomy and immediate expander-based reconstruction. This successful approach allows women with ptosis to undergo nipple-sparing mastectomy with preservation of the nipple -areolar complex.