• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.99-104
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• 2007

Purpose: Subfascial augmentation mammaplasty was introduced by Dr. Graf in 2000. Subfascial placement of breast implants for augmentation was advocated as an option that has some of the advantages of both the subpectoral and subglandular placement while minimizing the disadvantages of each. The clinical experiences of 23 breast augmentations in the subfascial placement are reported. The indications for this technique are proposed. The incidence of complications is described from clinical experiences and compared with that of other methods. Methods: From January of 2004 through December of 2005, 23 patients underwent periareolar subfascial augmentation mammaplasty. The mean postoperative follow-up time was 8 months. Results: In comparing the results of the subpectoral augmentation group(57 patients) with those of the dual plane(124 patients) and subfascial groups(23 patients), the total rate of complications didn't represented the significant difference. The benefits of this technique include avoiding hematoma(as seen in the dual plane) and muscle action(in the subpectoral), and minimizing postoperative chest pain(inherent to subpectoral), and the ability to correct ptosis. And also this subfascial technique can be used for changing the plane from submuscular to subfascial in case of the reoperations. Conclusion: We're thinking that the periareolar subfascial augmentation mammaplasty would be the very useful tool for the primary and secondary breast augmentations.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.52-61
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• 2024

Background Although prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction has recently gained popularity, dual-plane reconstruction is still a better option for patients with poor-quality mastectomy skin flaps. However, shoulder morbidity is aggravated by subpectoral reconstruction, especially in irradiated patients. This study aimed to demonstrate shoulder exercise improvement in subpectoral reconstruction by delayed prepectoral conversion with an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) inlay graft technique at the time of expander-to-implant exchange after irradiation. Methods Patients with breast cancer treated for expander-to-implant exchange after subpectoral expander insertion and subsequent radiotherapy between January 2021 and June 2022 were enrolled. An ADM inlay graft was inserted between the pectoralis major muscle and the previously inserted ADM. The ADM was sutured partially overlapping the pectoralis muscle from the medial side with the transition part, to the muscle border at the lateral side. Perioperative shoulder joint active range-of-motion (ROM) for forward flexion, abduction, and external rotation was also evaluated. Results A total of 35 patients were enrolled in the study. Active shoulder ROM significantly improved from 163 degrees preoperatively to 176 degrees postoperatively in forward flexion, 153 to 175 degrees in abduction, and 69 to 84 degrees in external rotation. There was no difference in patient satisfaction regarding the final outcome between the conventional prepectoral reconstruction group and the study group. Conclusion Shoulder exercises in irradiated patients who underwent subpectoral reconstruction were improved by delayed prepectoral conversion using an ADM inlay graft. It is recommended that subpectoral reconstruction not be ruled out due to concerns regarding muscle contracture and shoulder morbidity in radiation-planned patients with poor mastectomy skin flaps.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.156-159
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• 2023

Breast implants whether used for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes can be placed in pockets either above or below the pectoralis major muscle, depending on clinical circumstances such as subcutaneous tissue volume, history of radiation, and patient preference. Likewise, cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) can be placed above or below the pectoralis major muscle. When a patient has both devices, knowledge of the pocket location is important for procedural planning and for durability of device placement and performance. Here, we report a patient who previously failed subcutaneous CIED placement due to incision manipulation with prior threatened device exposure requiring plane change to subpectoral pocket. Her course was complicated by submuscular migration of the CIED into her breast implant periprosthetic pocket. With subcutaneous plane change being inadvisable due to patient noncompliance, soft tissue support of subpectoral CIED placement with an acellular biologic matrix (ABM) was performed. Similar to soft tissue support used for breast implants, submuscular CIED neo-pocket creation with ABM was performed with durable CIED device positioning confirmed at 9 months postprocedure.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.34-41
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• 2017

Background The current indications of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) have expanded to include young patients with serious cardiac risk factors, but CIED placement has the disadvantage of involving unsightly scarring and bulging of the chest wall. A collaborative team of cardiologists and plastic surgeons developed a technique for the subpectoral placement of CIEDs in young female patients via a transaxillary approach. Methods From July 2012 to December 2015, subpectoral CIED placement via an axillary incision was performed in 10 young female patients, with a mean age of 25.9 years and mean body mass index of $20.1kg/m^2$. In the supine position, with the patient's shoulder abducted, an approximately 5-cm linear incision was made along one of the deepest axillary creases. The submuscular plane was identified at the lateral border of the pectoralis major, and the dissection continued over the clavipectoral fascia until the subpectoral pocket could securely receive a pulse generator. Slight upward dissection also exposed an entrance to the subclavian vein, allowing the cardiology team to gain access to the vein. One patient with dilated cardiomyopathy underwent augmentation mammoplasty and CIED insertion simultaneously. Results One case of late-onset device infection occurred. All patients were highly satisfied with the results and reported that they would recommend the procedure to others. Conclusions With superior aesthetic outcomes compared to conventional methods, the subpectoral placement of CIEDs via a transaxillary approach is an effective, single-incision method to hide operative scarring and minimize bulging of the device, and is particularly beneficial for young female or lean patients.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.160-164
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• 2020

Background Implant-based dual-plane augmentation mammoplasty requires accurate separation of the pectoralis major muscle (PMM) at its origins. The authors identified the PMM origins during breast reconstruction surgery with the goal of providing additional information on subpectoral implant insertion for reconstructive or aesthetic purposes. Methods This study was conducted on 67 patients who underwent breast reconstruction surgery at the breast center of our hospital between November 2016 and June 2018. In total, 34 left and 39 right hemithoraces were examined. The left and right hemithoraces were each divided into 15 zones to determine the percentage of PMM attachments in each zone. The distribution of PMM origins in each zone was examined to identify any statistically significant differences. Results There were no statistically significant differences in the origins of the PMM between the right and left hemithoraces. The percentage of attachments increased moving from the fourth to the sixth rib and from the lateral to the medial aspect. Conclusions The anatomical findings of this study could be used as a reference for accurate dissection of the origins of the PMM for the preparation of the subpectoral pocket for subpectoral implant placement.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.755-760
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• 2009

Purpose: Breast surgeons usually insert tissue expander or implant beneath the subpectoral - subglandular dual plane in breast reconstruction. But sometimes it happens unsatisfactory lower pole fullness, asymmetric inframammary fold and breast shape because there is implant migration due to the pectoralis major muscle contraction and gravity. To solve all the problem like these, we introduce implant breast reconstruction using AlloDerm$^{(R)}$(LifeCell Corp., Branchburg, N.J.) sling. Methods: The AlloDerm$^{(R)}$ sling was used in 13 patients and 18 breasts for implant breast reconstruction. After mastectomy, costal and lower sternal insertion of pectoralis major muscle was detached. Rehydrated AlloDerm$^{(R)}$ was sutured to the chest wall and serratus anterior fascia at the level of inframammary fold downward and to lower border of the pectoralis major muscle upward like crescent shape with tension free technique after implant insertion into the subpectoral - subAlloDerm dual pocket. Results: We make satisfactory lower pole fullness, symmetric inframammary fold and breast shape. In conclusion, patients obtain relatively natural breast shape. There was no complication except one case of capsular contracture and one case of breast cellulitis. Conclusion: Implant breast reconstruction using AlloDerm$^{(R)}$ sling makes easy to get natural breast shape through satisfactory lower pole fullness, symmetric inframammary fold and implant positioning.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.361-365
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• 2021

Background Pain in the postoperative body contouring patient has traditionally been managed with narcotic medication. In an effort to minimize side effects and prevent addiction, plastic surgeons are searching for novel ways to provide adequate analgesia, one of which is nerve blocks. This study was conducted with a meta-analysis that evaluates the efficacy of these blocks for patients who undergo breast surgery. Methods A search of the PubMed/MEDLINE database for articles including the terms "post-operative analgesia" OR "postoperative pain management" AND "in plastic surgery" OR "in cosmetic surgery" OR "in elective surgery" in February 2019 generated five studies on elective breast augmentation and reduction mammoplasty that reported pain scores and quantities of opioids consumed. Independent samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and a random effects model were implemented for evaluation. Results A total of 317 patients were identified as having undergone body contouring of the breast, about half of which received a nerve block. Pain scores on a 1-10 scale and opioid dose-equivalents were calculated. Those who were blocked had an average score of 2.40 compared to 3.64 for those who did not (P<0.001), and required an average of 5.20 less narcotic doses (P<0.001). Pain relief following subpectoral augmentation was best achieved with type-II blocks as opposed to type-I and type-II with serratus plane (P<0.001). Conclusions The opioid epidemic has extended to all surgical specialties. Implementation of a nerve block seems to be an efficacious and cost-effective mechanism to not only help with post-operative pain, but also lower the need for narcotics, especially in subpectoral augmentation.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.201-207
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• 2019

Implant-based breast reconstruction is the most commonly used reconstruction technique after mastectomy. This is because skin-sparing mastectomy has become possible with advancements in oncology. In addition, the development of breast implants and the advent of acellular dermal matrices have reduced postoperative complications and resulted in superior cosmetic results. The most frequently performed surgical breast reconstruction procedure for the past 20 years was the insertion of an implant under the pectoralis major muscle by means of the dual plane approach. However, some patients suffered from pain and animation deformity caused by muscle manipulation. Recently, a prepectoral approach has been used to solve the above problems in select patients, and the results are similar to subpectoral results. However, this technique is not always chosen due to the number of considerations for successful surgery. In this article, we will discuss the emergence of prepectoral breast reconstruction, indications and contraindications, surgical procedures, and outcomes.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.93-98
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• 2007

Purpose: Many options are available for the incision and pocket selection in breast augmentation. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. To leave an invisible operation scar and to achieve easier pocket dissection by the central location of the incision on the breast, we made a transareolar-perinipple incision. To overcome the disadvantages of the transareolar incision, originally advocated by Pitanguy in 1973, we modified the direction of incision line and dissection plane. Methods: To avoid the injury of 4th intercostal nerve responsible for nipple sensation, we made perinipple incision on the medial side of the nipple instead of trans-nipple incision and made the transareolar incision as 11-5 o'clock on the left side and 1-7 o'clock on the right side instead of 3-9 o'clock on both sides. To avoid the possible infection and breast feeding problem caused by the injury to the lactiferous duct, and the possible implant hernia caused by the incisions lying on a same plane of pocket dissection, we made a subcutaneous dissection just above the breast tissue medially down to the bottom of breast tissue and made a subglandular or subfascial pocket, which may avoid the injury of lactiferous duct and create different planes for skin incision and pocket dissection. Other advantages of the transareolar-perinipple incision include easier pocket dissection, less chance of hematoma, and as a result less postoperative pain because of the central location of the approach which allow finger dissection and meticulous bleeding control with direct vision, without any specialized instrument such as an endoscope or long mammary dissectors. As for pocket selection, we made dual pockets. We prefer subglandular or subfascial pocket. Also, we made a subpectoral pocket in the upper 1/4 of the pocket to add more volume on the upper part of the augmented breast, which can make aesthetically more desirable breasts in thin Asian women with small breasts. Possible disadvantages of our method are subclinical infection and scar widening, which could be overcome by meticulous operation techniques, antibiotic therapy, and intradermal tattooing. Results: From September, 2003 to August, 2005, 12 patients underwent breast augmentation using round smooth surface saline implants by our method. During the mean follow-up period of 13 months, there were no complications such as infection, hematoma, capsular contracture, and sensory change of nipple, and results were satisfactory. Conclusion: We suggest breast augmentation via transareolar-perinipple incision and dual pockets(subpectoral-subglandular or subfascial) as a valuable method in thin oriental women with small breasts.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.29-32
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• 2009

Purpose: Introduction of the mammary implant through the abdominal route has been well known since late 1960s, but the use of transabdominal route for contralateral breast augmentation in transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction patients has not been reported in Korean literature. The authors report their experience with technical points as well as the selection of the appropriate patients. Methods: Simultaneous contralateral augmentation mammaplasty through transabdominal route was performed in 11 patients who underwent TRAM breast reconstruction from August 2003 to May 2008 with a mean follow up of 27 months. The pocket was created under direct vision: 3 subglandular, 7 subpectoral, and 1 dual plane was dissected. Eight saline and 3 silicone gel implants were used with an average volume of 165 cc. Results: There were no complications such as infection, hematoma, implant displacement, and capsular contracture. The result was well maintained throughout the follow up period. Conclusion: Transabdominal route could be recommended in selected patients for contralateral augmentation in TRAM breast reconstruction.