• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.46 no.6
• /
• pp.550-557
• /
• 2019

Background In recent years, breast implants have been frequently placed in the subcutaneous pocket, in the so-called prepectoral approach. We report our technique of prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR), as well as its surgical and aesthetic outcomes, in comparison with subpectoral IBR. We also discuss relevant considerations and pitfalls in prepectoral IBR and suggest an algorithm for the selection of patients for IBR based on our experiences. Methods We performed 79 immediate breast reconstructions with a breast implant and an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) sling, of which 47 were subpectoral IBRs and 32 were prepectoral IBRs. Two-stage IBR was performed in 36 cases (20 subpectoral, 16 prepectoral), and direct-to-implant IBR in 43 cases (27 prepectoral, 16 subpectoral). The ADM sling supplemented the inferolateral side of the breast prosthesis in the subpectoral group and covered the entire anterior surface of the breast prosthesis in the prepectoral group. Results The postoperative pain score was much lower in the prepectoral group than in the subpectoral group (1.78 vs. 7.17). The incidence of seroma was higher in the prepectoral group (31.3% vs. 6.4%). Other postoperative complications, such as surgical site infection, flap necrosis, implant failure, and wound dehiscence, occurred at similar rates in both groups. Animation deformities developed in 8.5% of patients in the subpectoral group and rippling deformities were more common in the prepectoral group (21.9% vs. 12.8%). Conclusions The indications for prepectoral IBR include moderately-sized breasts with a thick well-vascularized mastectomy flap and concomitant bilateral breast reconstruction with prophylactic mastectomy.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.47 no.6
• /
• pp.567-573
• /
• 2020

Background Polyurethane implants have been used on and off in breast reconstruction since 1991 while prepectoral breast reconstruction has gained popularity in recent times. In this study, we present our outcomes from the use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) complete wrap with polyurethane implants in prepectoral breast reconstruction. Methods This is a retrospective review of prospectively maintained database from 41 patients receiving complete ADM wrap with prepectoral polyurethane implants over a 3-year period. Selection criteria were adapted from a previous study (4135 Trust Clinical Audit Database) evaluating prepectoral reconstruction with Braxon matrices. Patient demographics, operative data, surgical complications, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results A total of 52 implant reconstructions were performed in 41 patients with a mean follow-up of 14.3 months (range, 6-36 months). The overall reported complication rates including early (less than 6 weeks) and late complications. Early complications included two patients (4.9%) with wound dehiscence. One of which had an implant loss that was salvageable. Another patient (2%) developed red-breast syndrome and two women (4.9%) developed with seroma treated conservatively. Late complications included one patient (2%) with grade II capsular contraction, 12 patients with grade I-II rippling and two patients (4.9%) with grade III rippling. Conclusions We present our experience of prepectoral polyurethane implant using complete ADM wrap. This is one of the few papers to report on the outcome of the prepectoral use of polyurethane in immediate implant-based breast reconstruction. Our early observational series show satisfactory outcome and long-term results are warranted by a large multicenter study.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.49 no.5
• /
• pp.587-595
• /
• 2022

Background The incidence of breast animation deformity (BAD) is reported to be substantial after direct-to-implant breast reconstruction with subpectoral implant placement. It has, however, never been examined if BAD can occur following prepectoral implant placement. Our primary aim was to compare the incidence and degree of BAD after direct-to-implant breast reconstruction using either subpectoral or prepectoral implant placement. Secondary aim of this study was to assess and compare the level of pain between sub- and prepectoral reconstructed women. Methods In this randomized controlled trial, patients were allocated to reconstruction by either subpectoral or prepectoral implant placement in accordance with the CONSORT guidelines. The degree of BAD was assessed by the "Nipple, Surrounding skin, Entire breast (NSE)" grading scale 12 months after surgery. The level of postoperative pain was assessed on a numerical pain rating scale. Results We found a significant difference in the degree of BAD favoring patients in the prepectoral group (23.8 vs. 100%, p < 0.0001; mean NSE grading scale score: 0.4 vs. 3.6, p < 0.0001). The subpectoral reconstructed group reported higher levels of pain on the three subsequent days after surgery. No significant difference in pain levels could be found at 3 months postoperatively. Conclusion The incidence and degree of BAD was significantly lower in women reconstructed by prepectoral direct-to-implant breast reconstruction. Unexpectedly, we found mild degrees of BAD in the prepectoral group. When assessing BAD, distortion can be challenging to discern from rippling.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
• /
• v.36 no.3
• /
• pp.201-207
• /
• 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
• /
• v.49 no.2
• /
• pp.166-173
• /
• 2022

The introduction of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) to breast reconstruction has allowed surgeons to reexplore the prepectoral implant placement technique in postmastectomy breast reconstruction. Our institution adopted a novel approach using meshed ADM to lessen the financial burden of increased ADM utilization with the prepectoral breast reconstruction. This is a retrospective, single-center review of two-stage prepectoral breast reconstruction using meshed human-derived ADM for anterior prosthesis coverage. Patient demographics, oncologic data, perioperative characteristics, and complications were examined and reported as means with standard deviations. Cost-saving with the meshed technique was evaluated. Forty-eight patients (72 breasts) with a mean age of 48.5 ± 15.0 years (range 26-70 years) were included in the study. The mean follow-up time was 13.2 ± 4.4 months (range 4.1-25.8 months). Nineteen breasts (24.6%) experienced complications, with seromas being the most common complication (12.5%, n = 9). Expander removal and reoperation occurred at a rate of 8.3 and 9.7%, respectively. The average time to drain removal was 18.8 ± 6.6 days (range 8-32 days). Meshed ADM provided an average cost savings of $6,601 for unilateral and $13,202 for bilateral reconstructions. Our study found that human-derived meshed ADM can be safely used in two-staged prepectoral tissue expander-based breast reconstruction and can result in significant cost savings.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.50 no.6
• /
• pp.541-549
• /
• 2023

Background Despite its many advantages, prepectoral breast reconstruction also carries the risk of implant rippling. The recent introduction of partial superior implant coverage using a pectoralis muscle slip in prepectoral direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction has shown the potential to minimize upper pole rippling. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with rippling and the effectiveness of our surgical technique. Methods In total, 156 patients (186 breasts) who underwent prepectoral DTI breast reconstruction between August 2019 and March 2021 were identified retrospectively. Patient data were analyzed from medical records. Univariable and multivariable logistic analyses were performed to contextualize the risks associated with rippling deformity relative to demographic characteristics and other clinical factors. Retrospective propensity-matched analysis was performed to identify the relationship between rippling deformity and the reconstruction method. Results Patients with body mass index (BMI; odds ratio [OR], 0.736; p < 0.001), those with a postoperative chemotherapy history (OR, 0.324; p = 0.027) and those who received breast reconstruction via the superior coverage technique (OR, 0.2; p = 0.004), were less likely to develop rippling deformity. The median follow-up period was 64.9 weeks, and there were no significant differences between patients in types of mastectomy, implant, or acellular dermal matrix. Patients who underwent superior coverage technique-based reconstruction showed significantly reduced rippling (OR, 0.083; p = 0.017) Conclusion Patients with higher BMI and prior postoperative chemotherapy were less likely to develop rippling deformity. The superior coverage technique can be effective in minimizing upper pole rippling.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.51 no.1
• /
• pp.52-61
• /
• 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
• /
• v.46 no.6
• /
• pp.535-543
• /
• 2019

Background A high incidence of breast animation deformity (BAD) has been reported following immediate breast reconstruction with subpectorally placed implants. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the incidence of BAD in women who underwent either subpectoral or prepectoral immediate breast reconstruction. Therefore, we developed a grading tool and tested its reproducibility in a clinical setting. Methods Video recordings of 37 women who had undergone unilateral or bilateral immediate breast reconstruction were evaluated by two consultant plastic surgeons. The degree of BAD was assessed by our grading tool, named the Nipple, Surrounding Skin, Entire Breast (NSE) grading scale, which evaluates the degree of tissue distortion in three areas of the breast. Blinded assessments were performed twice by each observer. Results Eighteen patients were reconstructed with subpectoral implant placement and 19 with prepectoral implant placement. Using the NSE grading scale, we found a significant difference in the degree of BAD between the groups, in favor of patients who underwent prepectoral immediate breast reconstruction (0.2 vs. 4, P=0.000). Inter- and intraobserver agreement was moderate (74%) to strong (88%). Conclusions The incidence and severity of BAD was significantly lower in women reconstructed with a prepectorally placed implant than in those who underwent subpectoral immediate breast reconstruction. All patients reconstructed using the subpectoral technique had some degree of BAD. The inter- and intraobserver agreements were high when using the NSE grading scale, suggesting it is an easy-to-use, reproducible scale for assessing BAD in women who undergo immediate breast reconstruction.

• Journal of Interdisciplinary Genomics
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.1-6
• /
• 2022

Purpose: Mastectomy is performed as a surgical treatment for patients with breast cancer who have the BRCA 1/2 mutation. In this study, we have reported the trends in Korea for both immediate breast reconstruction and prophylactic mastectomy. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted from 2019 to 2021. Both skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate implant-based breast reconstruction with prepectoral and/or subpectoral techniques were performed in five patients with BRCA 1/2 mutations. Data on age; body mass index; cancer stage; BRCA 1/2 mutation; estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression; diagnosis; and complications were collected. Results: The average (±standard deviation [SD]) age was 44.0±6.48 years old; BMI 24.5±2.25 kg/m²; and breast volumes were 365.8±70.34 and 382.4±96.33 cc for right and left ones, respectively. The BRCA 1 and 2 were diagnosed in four and one patients, respectively. The estrogen and progesterone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 were detected in one (20%), one (20%), and three (60%) patients, respectively. The applied implant-based breast reconstruction techniques for ten breasts were subpectoral technique (n=7, 70%) and prepectoral technique (n=3, 30%). For the cancer stage, those with I, II, and III stages were one (20%), two (40%), and one (20%), respectively. There were no major complications such as Infection, seroma. Conclusion: When mastectomy is performed as surgical treatment in BRCA 1/2 mutation positive breast cancer patients, it is possible to obtain a better outcome with both implant-based breast reconstruction and different circumstances between breast cancer and contralateral breast.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.45 no.2
• /
• pp.158-164
• /
• 2018

Background During breast augmentation, the transaxillary approach provides the advantage of allowing the mammary prosthesis to be placed through incisions that are remote from the breast itself, thereby reducing the visibility of postoperative scars. For patients experiencing capsular contracture who do not want additional scars, the previous transaxillary scar can be used for site change and implant exchange. Methods This study analyzed 17 patients (34 breasts) with submuscular breast implants with grade III-IV capsular contracture who received treatment from 2010 to 2015. The mean age of the patients was 29 years (range, 20-38 years). The inclusion criterion was a pinch test of more than 3 cm at the upper pole of the breast. Previous axillary scars were used to expose the pectoralis fascia, and submuscular breast implants were removed carefully. The dissection underneath the pectoralis fascia was performed with endoscopic assistance, using electrocautery under direct visualization. Results The mean follow-up period was 14 months (range, 6-24 months). The entire dissection plane was changed from the submuscular plane to the subfascial plane. Round textured gel implants were used, with a mean implant size of 220 mL (range, 160-300 mL). Two patients developed grade II capsular contracture. There were no cases of malposition or asymmetry. Three patients complained of minor implant palpability. None of the patients required additional surgery. Conclusions Endoscopic subfascial conversion may be an effective technique for treating capsular contracture and avoiding scarring of the breast in selected patients.