• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.309-315
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• 2015

Background Breast projection is a critical element of breast reconstruction aesthetics, but little has been published regarding breast projection as the firm expander is changed to a softer implant. Quantitative data representing this loss in projection may enhance patient education and improve our management of patient expectations. Methods Female patients who were undergoing immediate tissue-expander breast reconstruction with the senior author were enrolled in this prospective study. Three-dimensional camera software was used for all patient photographs and data analysis. Projection was calculated as the distance between the chest wall and the point of maximal projection of the breast form. Values were calculated for final tissue expander expansion and at varying intervals 3, 6, and 12 months after implant placement. Results Fourteen breasts from 12 patients were included in the final analysis. Twelve of the 14 breasts had a loss of projection at three months following the implant placement or beyond. The percentage of projection lost in these 12 breasts ranged from 6.30% to 43.4%, with an average loss of projection of 21.05%. Conclusions This study is the first prospective quantitative analysis of temporal changes in breast projection after expander-implant reconstruction. By prospectively capturing projection data with three-dimensional photographic software, we reveal a loss of projection in this population by three months post-implant exchange. These findings will not only aid in managing patient expectations, but our methodology provides a foundation for future objective studies of the breast form.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.441-448
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• 2018

Background Previously, surveys have been used to investigate breast reconstruction statistics. Since 2015, breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy has been covered by the National Health Insurance Service in Korea, and data from breast reconstruction patients are now available from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA). We investigated statistics in breast reconstruction in Korea through statistics provided by the HIRA Big Data Hub. Methods We investigated the number of cases in mastectomy and breast reconstruction methods from April 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016. Data were furnished by the HIRA Big Data Hub and accessed remotely online. Results were tabulated using SAS Enterprise version 6.1. Results The 31,155 mastectomy cases included 7,088 breast reconstruction cases. Implant-based methods were used in 4,702 cases, and autologous methods in 2,386. The implant-based reconstructions included 1,896 direct-to-implant and 2,806 tissue-expander (2-stage) breast reconstructions. The 2-stage tissue-expander reconstructions included 1,624 expander insertions (first stage) and 1,182 expander-to-permanent-implant exchanges (second stage). Of the autologous breast reconstructions, 705 involved latissimus dorsi muscle flaps, 498 involved pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flaps, and 1,183 involved free-tissue transfer TRAM flaps, including deep inferior epigastric perforator free-tissue transfer flaps. There were 1,707 nipple-areolar complex reconstructions, including 1,565 nipple reconstructions and 142 areola reconstructions. The 1-year mean number of breast reconstructions was 4,050. Conclusions This was the first attempt to evaluate the total number of breast reconstruction procedures using accurate, comprehensive data, and our findings may prove valuable as a foundation for future statistical studies of breast reconstruction procedures in Korea.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.197-203
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• 2016

Background The aim of unilateral breast reconstruction after mastectomy is to craft a natural-looking breast with symmetry. The latissimus dorsi (LD) flap with implant is an established technique for this purpose. However, it is challenging to obtain adequate volume and satisfactory aesthetic results using a one-stage operation when considering factors such as muscle atrophy, wound dehiscence and excessive scarring. The two-stage reconstruction addresses these difficulties by using a tissue expander to gradually enlarge the skin pocket which eventually holds an appropriately sized implant. Methods We analyzed nine patients who underwent unilateral two-stage LD reconstruction. In the first stage, an expander was placed along with the LD flap to reconstruct the mastectomy defect, followed by gradual tissue expansion to achieve overexpansion of the skin pocket. The final implant volume was determined by measuring the residual expander volume after aspirating the excess saline. Finally, the expander was replaced with the chosen implant. Results The average volume of tissue expansion was 460 mL. The resultant expansion allowed an implant ranging in volume from 255 to 420 mL to be placed alongside the LD muscle. Seven patients scored less than six on the relative breast retraction assessment formula for breast symmetry, indicating excellent breast symmetry. The remaining two patients scored between six and eight, indicating good symmetry. Conclusions This approach allows the size of the eventual implant to be estimated after the skin pocket has healed completely and the LD muscle has undergone natural atrophy. Optimal reconstruction results were achieved using this approach.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Engineering
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• v.24 no.9
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• pp.1144-1149
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• 2020

The magnetic valve of the breast tissue expander generates imaging artifacts during MRI examination, so MRI examination is limited. To evaluate the effect of imaging artifacts on the diagnosis area for patients with breast tissue expander who need MRI examination. Imaging artifacts were measured using self-made phantoms and actual clinical conditions. Imaging artifacts were measured differently depending on the environment of 1.5 Tesla and 3.0 Tesla, and the effects of imaging artifacts were less in the C-spine and L-spine tests. If MRI due to breast cancer metastasis is absolutely necessary, head & neck examination and L-spine can be examined mainly at 1.5 Tesla, but some sequences may cause distortion due to image artifacts. In terms of safety, MRI scans of patients with breast tissue expanders can be performed conditionally at 1.5T, avoiding 3.0T.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.231-238
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• 1994

Tissue expansion has now been widely used in various soft tissue defects and deformities. It is to reconstruct the lesion site by providing donor tissue of the same color, texture, and similar thickness and sensation with minimal scar formation and minor donor site morbidity. It is achieved through using a temporary expander capable of accumulating normal saline. Internal pressure from expander exerts its force on the flap, which gradually expands to provide additional tissue for reconstruction. We have applied tissue expander in three patients. The first case was soft tissue loss on the left forehead. The second case was multiple scar formation on the left mandibular angle and upper cervical area. The third case was scar contraction on the right cheek. All cases have been successfully reconstructed without complications.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.614-621
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• 2021

Background Reconstruction of congenital microtia remains challenging, particularly in patients with a history of ear canaloplasty due to insufficient regional soft tissue. The insertion of a tissue expander prior to implantation of the cartilage framework has traditionally been employed. However, this procedure could induce additional morbidity. Herein, we present a method using V-Y advancement of a temporal triangular flap to gain additional soft tissue in these challenging cases. Methods Congenital microtia patients with a history of ear canaloplasty who underwent auricular reconstruction using the Nagata technique between 2016 and 2020 were reviewed. To obtain additional soft tissue, V-Y advancement of a temporal triangular flap was performed concurrently with implantation of the costal cartilage framework, without prior insertion of a tissue expander. The outcomes of these patients with respect to postoperative complications and esthetics were evaluated. Results Eight patients with bilateral lesions were included. No specific complications developed after the first-stage surgery. However, one patient experienced complications after the second stage (auricular elevation). An analysis of the esthetic results showed most patients had excellent outcomes, achieving a satisfactory convolution. The median number of operations needed to complete reconstruction was 2, which was fewer than required using the conventional method with prior insertion of a tissue expander. Conclusions In patients with a history of previous canaloplasty, V-Y advancement of a temporal triangular flap could serve as an alternative to tissue expansion for microtia reconstruction. This technique provided reliable and satisfactory results with a reduced number of surgical stages.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.422-427
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• 2009

Purpose: Breast cancer is second most common cancer in women. Almost of patients with breast cancer treated with mastectomy undergoes breast reconstruction. Nipple reconstruction is an important step in breast reconstruction. Many surgeons have investigated of nipple reconstruction using the flap technique after breast reconstruction with the autologous tissue. The objective of this study is to evaluate the results of nipple reconstruction using the C - V flap technique after breast reconstruction with the only breast expander. Methods: From April 2006 to May 2008, the authors treated 17 patients of nipple reconstruction using C - V flap technique, who were received breast reconstruction with the only breast expander. We have predicted decrease of the size of reconstructed nipple and designed flap a little larger than wanted nipple size. Nipple splint was applied for 4 - 6 months for minimizing decrease of the size of reconstructed nipple. The diameter and height of the reconstructed nipple were measured and patient's satisfaction score was assessed. Results: Mean follow-up duration was 12.5 months. Among the 17 patients, the average absorption rate by height of nipple was 47.0%. Partial necrosis was noted in 1 case, and treated well with conservative management. There was no other significant complications noted. Patient's satisfactory score was assessed by the height, design and location of the nipple. The average of satisfaction score was 85%, 68%, 62% and total average was 83%. Conclusion: The authors experienced 17 patients of nipple reconstruction using the C - V flap technique after breast reconstruction with the only breast expander. The absorption rate of the size of the nipple, complications and patient's satisfactory score of this study were similar to those of nipple reconstruction after breast reconstruction with the autologous tissue. It is expected that nipple reconstruction after breast reconstruction with the only breast expander is safe and reliable. It is considered that a long - term study is necessary.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.773-775
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• 2006

Purpose: The sternalis muscle is an accessory muscle of the anterior chest wall. This is a rare anatomic variant reported in approximately 8 percent of the population, with variation among races. While several anatomic studies of the sternalis muscle exist, nothing in the literature addresses the implications of this muscle on staged breast reconstruction with implant. Methods: We encountered two consecutive patients with a left sternalis muscle who underwent immediate staged breast reconstruction with a tissue expander. We offer a strategy for dealing with this rare, but known, anatomic variant during staged implant reconstruction. Firstly, recognizing the presence of a sternalis muscle mandates the elevation of the pectoralis major muscle and the sternalis muscle in continuity. Secondly, slight modifications must be made during the submuscular dissection to create a properly placed pocket for the tissue expander. Results: While our encounters with this anatomic variant are few, our experiences with two consecutive patients illustrate that the reconstructive surgeon must be familiar with the sternalis muscle and be prepared to adapt his or her technique for tissue expander placement when faced with this accessory muscle. Conclusion: To date, no reports exist in the literature describing the operative implications of this anatomic variant. We offer our technique for dealing with this accessory muscle during staged implant reconstruction of the breast.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.109-113
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• 2009

Purpose: Materials for ear reconstruction are autogeneous cartilage and artificial implants. Despite their potential for donor site complications, autogeneous cartilage frameworks remain the accepted standard for external ear reconstruction. The purposes of this study were to investigate our ear reconstruction cases for 12 years. Methods: During twelve years from January 1996 to December 2008, 70 patients visited our hospital for ear reconstruction of microtia. Among them, 65 cases used autogenous cartilage frameworks, 3 cases used tissue expander and 2 cases used artificial implants. We investigated sex & age, common site, combined malformation, operation methods & their complications, donor site & their complications, anterior chest wall deformity and aesthetic evaluation. Results: Males were affected more often than females. Male to female ratio was 1.8 : 1. The common site of microtia was right ear (72%). And hemifacial microsomia was the most common associated congenital malformation. Surgical techniques included Tanzer-Ruecker method, Tissue-expander and Artificial framework ($Medpore^{(R)}$). Incidence of complication was higher with Tissue-expander & artificial framework than with Tanzer-Ruecker method. But There are few reports of using Tissue-expander & artificial framework and there was no acceptable statistical difference. And costal cartilage was harvested in ipsilateral side and anterior chest wall deformity reported only 2 cases under 10 year-old patients. Other minor complications reported such as, wound disruption and chest wall scar, but without any serious complications. Aesthetic result was evaluated by surgeons and patients for postoperative satisfaction and clinical evaluation. Conclusion: In ear reconstruction of microtia patient, delicate surgical strategy is important for natural shape and maintenance of postoperative contour. However, many methods were introduced for reconstrucion of microtia, the authors reconstructed an auricle in Tanzer-Ruecker method, Tissue-expander and Artificial famework ($Medpore^{(R)}$) for 70 patients. In our study, we generally chose Tanzer-Ruecker method and this treatment modality was satisfactory for patients and the postoperative result was acceptable for surgeons.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.316-320
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• 2015

Background CGCryoDerm was first introduced in 2010 and offers a different matrix preservation processes for freezing without drying preparation. From a theoretical perspective, CGCryoDerm has a more preserved dermal structure and more abundant growth factors for angiogenesis and recellularization. In the current study, the authors performed a retrospective study to evaluate freezing- and freeze-drying-processed acellular dermal matrix (ADM) to determine whether any differences were present in an early complication profile. Methods Patients who underwent ADM-assisted tissue expander placement for two stage breast reconstruction between January of 2013 and March of 2014 were retrospectively reviewed and divided into two groups based on the types of ADM-assisted expander reconstruction (CGDerm vs. CGCryoDerm). Complications were divided into four main categories and recorded as follows: seroma, hematoma, infection, and mastectomy skin flap necrosis. Results In a total of 82 consecutive patients, the CGCryoDerm group had lower rates of seroma when compared to the CGDerm group without statistical significance (3.0% vs. 10.2%, P=0.221), respectively. Other complications were similar in both groups. Reconstructions with CGCryoDerm were found to have a significantly longer period of drainage when compared to reconstructions with CGDerm (11.91 days vs. 10.41 days, P=0.043). Conclusions Preliminary findings indicate no significant differences in early complications between implant/expander-based reconstructions using CGCryoderm and those using CGDerm.