How to Maximize Aesthetics in Autologous Breast Reconstruction

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S45-S54
Author(s):  
Ryan D Wagner ◽  
Kristy L Hamilton ◽  
Andres F Doval ◽  
Aldona J Spiegel
Keyword(s):  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Autologous Reconstruction ◽  
Autologous Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Flap Survival ◽  
Skin Envelope ◽  
Vessel Patency ◽  
Flap Design ◽  
Scar Management

Abstract With continuous technical and functional advances in the field of breast reconstruction, there is now a greater focus on the artistry and aesthetic aspects of autologous reconstruction. Whereas once surgeons were most concerned with flap survival and vessel patency, they are now dedicated to reconstructing a similarly or even more aesthetically pleasing breast than before tumor resection. We discuss the approach to shaping the breast through the footprint, conus, and skin envelope. We then discuss how donor site aesthetics can be optimized through flap design, scar management, and umbilical positioning. Each patient has a different perception of their ideal breast appearance, and through conversation and counseling, realistic goals can be set to reach optimal aesthetic outcomes in breast reconstruction.

How Does Autologous Breast Reconstruction Impact Downtime?

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (07) ◽  
pp. 530-536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Rais ◽  
Jian Farhadi ◽  
Giovanni Zoccali
Keyword(s):  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Diep Flap ◽  
Autologous Reconstruction ◽  
Autologous Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Superior Gluteal Artery ◽  
Free Flap Surgery ◽  
Recovery Times ◽  
Time Required ◽  
The Impact

Background Although autologous breast reconstruction is technically quite demanding, it offers the best outcomes in terms of durable results, patient perceptions, and postoperative pain. Many studies have focused on clinical outcomes and technical aspects of such procedures, but few have addressed the impact of various flaps on patient recovery times. This particular investigation entailed an assessment of commonly used flaps, examining the periods of time required to resume daily activities. Methods Multiple choice questionnaires were administered to 121 patients after recovery from autologous reconstruction to determine the times required in returning to specific physical activities. To analyze results, the analysis of variance F-test was applied, and odds ratios (ORs) were determined. Results Among the activities surveyed, recovery time was not always a function of free-flap surgery. Additional treatments and psychological effects also contributed. Adjuvant chemotherapy increased average downtime by 2 weeks, and postoperative irradiation prolonged recovery as much as 4 weeks. Patient downtime was unrelated to flap type, ranging from 2.9 to 21.3 weeks for various activities in question. Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps yielded the highest OR and transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flaps the lowest. Conclusion Compared with superior gluteal artery perforator and TUG flaps, the DIEP flap was confirmed as the gold standard in autologous breast reconstruction, conferring the shortest recovery times. All adjuvant therapies served to prolong patient recovery as well. Surgical issues, patient lifestyles, and donor-site availability are other important aspects of flap selection.

Unilateral Autologous Breast Reconstruction with Bi-pedicled, Conjoined Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flaps

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (02) ◽  
pp. 145-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akhil Seth ◽  
Pieter Koolen ◽  
Steven Sultan ◽  
Bernard Lee ◽  
Heather Erhard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Side Branch ◽  
Diep Flap ◽  
Autologous Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Pedicled Flaps ◽  
Skin Envelope ◽  
The Status ◽  
Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator

Background The abdomen remains the most popular and reliable donor site for autologous breast reconstruction. Some patients, however, lack sufficient tissue to recreate an aesthetic breast mound using a single-pedicle, deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap, particularly when matching a contralateral native breast. The amount of abdominal skin and/or soft tissue reliably supplied by one vascular pedicle is frequently insufficient to adequately restore the breast skin envelope and “footprint.” This study summarizes our experience with using bipedicled DIEP flaps to improve the aesthetic results of unilateral breast reconstruction in such patients. Methods Consecutive patients undergoing unilateral breast reconstruction with bi-pedicled, conjoined DIEP flaps over a 4-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Primary and secondary flap microvascular anastomoses were performed to the antegrade internal mammary (IM) vessels and to either the retrograde IM vessels or a primary DIEP pedicle side branch, respectively. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were recorded. Results Sixty-three patients underwent immediate (n = 29) or delayed (n = 34) reconstruction, with age and body mass index of 54.1 ± 8.4 years and 26.6 ± 4.7, respectively. Mean follow-up was 14.1 months. Twenty-eight (44.4%) patients received prereconstruction radiation therapy. All patients had preoperative abdominal imaging, including 57 (90.5%) using magnetic resonance angiography. There were no flap losses with three operative interventions for flap salvage. Conclusion Unilateral breast reconstruction with bipedicled, conjoined DIEP flaps is safe and reliable. These procedures can be performed with a complication profile similar to single-pedicle DIEP flaps. The additional skin and soft tissue available with bi-pedicled flaps allows for greater flexibility in matching the shape and projection of a woman's contralateral breast, and in some cases is necessary to achieve an aesthetically acceptable reconstruction. With growing expectations among breast reconstruction patients, conjoined bi-pedicled flaps represent a tool for meeting their reconstructive needs and exceeding the status quo for aesthetic outcomes.

scholarly journals The Fleur-de-PAP Flap for Bilateral Breast Reconstruction

2016 ◽  
Vol 02 (01) ◽  
pp. e1-e3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharine Saussy ◽  
Mark Stalder ◽  
Stephen Delatte ◽  
Robert Allen ◽  
Hugo St Hilaire
Keyword(s):  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Female Patient ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Perforator Flap ◽  
Autologous Reconstruction ◽  
Autologous Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Posterior Thigh ◽  
Single Donor ◽  
Ptotic Breasts ◽  
Artery Perforator

AbstractThe authors present the case of a 42-year-old female patient who underwent autologous breast reconstruction using a new perforator flap designed from the medial and posterior thigh. Due to a prior abdominoplasty, the patient's abdominal donor site was unavailable to reconstruct her large, ptotic breasts, so an alternate approach was undertaken. The fleur-de-PAP flap is based on the same perforators employed by the standard profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap, but simultaneously incorporates tissue from both the transverse and vertical PAP flap skin paddles. This design maximizes flap volume at a single donor site and provides a reasonable secondary option for autologous reconstruction in large-breasted patients in whom the abdomen is not available.

scholarly journals Refractory Donor-Site Seroma Following DIEP Breast Reconstruction

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 2513826X1989883
Author(s):  
Trina V. Stephens ◽  
Nancy Van Laeken ◽  
Sheina A. Macadam
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Diep Flap ◽  
First Line ◽  
Percutaneous Aspiration ◽  
Autologous Breast Reconstruction ◽  
History Of ◽  
Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator ◽  
Latissimus Dorsi Flaps

Donor-site seroma formation is a complication of autologous breast reconstruction reported most commonly with the use of latissimus dorsi flaps. First-line treatment is percutaneous aspiration which leads to resolution in the majority of cases. Those that persist may progress to a chronic, refractory seroma, which can prove challenging in terms of treatment. The aim of this article is to provide an updated literature review of interventions for chronic donor-site seroma and present the case of a 65-year-old female with a recalcitrant abdominal seroma following deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction. Literature review revealed a single article that reported 2 cases of persistent donor-site seroma after DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The patient presented here underwent repeat aspiration, drain placement, and multiple surgical procedures to achieve resolution. In total, the post-reconstruction seroma history of the patient extended over approximately 14 months. We conclude with evidence-based suggestions for chronic, donor-site seroma prevention and treatment.

Check the Record: Remote CT Scans for Breast Flap Perforator Mapping

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (07) ◽  
pp. 485-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Sergesketter ◽  
Bryan Pyfer ◽  
Brett Phillips ◽  
Ruya Zhao ◽  
Scott Hollenbeck
Keyword(s):  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
Autologous Reconstruction ◽  
Positron Emission ◽  
Pet Ct ◽  
Delayed Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Average Utility

Background Perforator mapping with computed tomography angiography (CTA) prior to autologous breast reconstruction reduces donor-site morbidity and operative time, but is costly. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether pre-existing CT scans could be used for dominant perforator identification before autologous reconstruction. Methods We identified all female patients who underwent mastectomy with immediate or delayed breast reconstruction with abdominal free flaps at a single institution between 2006 and 2016. Medical records were reviewed to identify patients with pre-existing CT scans of the abdomen/pelvis. CT images were reviewed by the senior surgeon and ranked on a 1 to 3 scale to indicate utility for preoperative planning. An analysis was performed to assess financial savings and radiation avoidance associated with the use of pre-existing scans. Results Of 301 identified patients, 44.9% (n = 135) had an available pre-existing CT. A dominant perforator was identified on 92.6% of scans. A higher proportion of dominant perforators was identified using positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scans compared with CT scans with intravenous (IV) contrast and noncontrast CTs (p < 0.0001). Compared with PET/CTs and CTs with IV contrast, the average utility score for noncontrast CTs was lower (p = 0.0001). Dominant perforators were clearly identified in patients who had both a remote CT scan and a preoperative CTA. Perforator mapping using remote CT scans yielded a projected radiation reduction of 13.2 mGy per patient and yielded a projected annual U.S. health care savings of $28,459,638. Conclusion Our study suggests that pre-existing CT scans represent a viable and economical alternative for perforator mapping before abdominal-based free flap breast reconstruction.

Breast Reconstruction with Non-Abdominal–Based Free Tissue Flaps

2019 ◽  
pp. 795-802
Author(s):  
Erica Bartlett ◽  
Aldona J. Spiegel
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Technique ◽  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Free Tissue Transfer ◽  
Autologous Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Superior Gluteal Artery ◽  
Alternative Donor ◽  
Lateral Thigh ◽  
Tissue Flaps ◽  
Artery Perforator

Abdominal-based free tissue transfer accounts for the majority of autologous breast reconstruction. In situations where abdominal sources are unavailable, other donor sites should be considered. In this chapter, alternative donor sites for autologous breast reconstruction are discussed, specifically, gluteal- and thigh-based flaps. The superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) and inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) flaps are discussed from the gluteal donor site, and the transverse upper gracilis (TUG), profunda artery perforator (PAP), and the lateral thigh perforator (LTP) flaps are discussed from the thigh donor site. Relevant anatomy and surgical technique are discussed for each flap in order to enhance awareness of secondary flap options in the plastic surgeon’s armamentarium for breast reconstruction.

Patient-Reported Satisfaction and Quality of Life in Postmastectomy Radiated Patients: A Comparison between Delayed and Delayed Immediate Autologous Breast Reconstruction in a Predominantly Minority Patient Population

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (06) ◽  
pp. 445-451 ◽  
Author(s):  
George N. Kamel ◽  
David Nash ◽  
Joshua Jacobson ◽  
Robin Berk ◽  
Karan Mehta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Tissue Expander ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Minority Population ◽  
Autologous Reconstruction ◽  
Autologous Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Patient Reported

Background Delayed immediate (DI) autologous breast reconstruction consists of immediate postmastectomy tissue expander placement, radiation therapy, and subsequent autologous reconstruction. The decision between timing of reconstructive methods is challenging and remains to be elucidated. We aim to compare patient reported outcomes and quality of life between delayed and DI reconstruction. Methods A retrospective review of all patients, who underwent autologous breast reconstruction at Montefiore Medical Center from January 2009 to December 2016, was conducted. Patients who underwent postmastectomy radiotherapy were divided into two cohorts: delayed and DI autologous breast reconstruction. Patients were mailed a BREAST-Q survey and their responses, demographic information, complications, and need for revisionary procedures were analyzed. Results A total of 79 patients met inclusion criteria: 34.2% (n = 27) in the delayed and 65.8% (n = 52) in the DI group. 77.2% (n = 61) of patients were a minority population. Patients in each cohort had similar baseline characteristics; however, the DI cohort was more likely to have bilateral reconstruction (46.2% [n = 24] vs. 7.4% [n = 2]; p = 0.0005) and to have major mastectomy flap necrosis (22.4% [n = 17] vs. 0.0% [n = 0]; p = 0.002). Premature tissue expander removal occurred in 17.3% (n = 9) of patients in the DI group. BREAST-Q response rates were 44.4% (n = 12) in the delayed group and 57.7% (n = 30) in the DI group. Responses showed similar satisfaction with their breasts, well-being, and overall outcome. Conclusion Delayed and DI autologous breast reconstruction yield similar patient-reported satisfaction; however, patients undergoing DI reconstruction have higher rates of major mastectomy necrosis. Furthermore, patients in the DI group risk premature tissue expander removal.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document