Immediate bilateral breast reconstruction after skinsparing mastectomy: cross-sectional incision and implants in mixed plane

Abstract

Introduction: Complications in immediate breast reconstruction after skin-preserving mastectomies are recurrent. The authors describe conduct to reduce them and improve the anatomical/esthetic result using implants. The objective is to reduce the incidence of areolar necrosis, improve breast projection in reconstructions with submuscular implants, recover partial or total sensitivity, and facilitate symmetrization. Method: The mastectomy involves a lateral transverse incision from the areolar border to the armpit. Repair with implants included in a mixed plane by divulsion of the pectoral muscle, dividing it into two portions in the direction of its fibers, the association of the serratus muscle fascia and inferior/lateral subcutaneous tissue, and/or pectoralis minor muscle in the superolateral area. The incision is sutured when there is no breast ptosis or superimposed by de-epidermization of one of the borders, which may include a reduction in diameter and relocation of the areola. Or fusiform de-epidermization of the periareolar skin and medially to it. The contralateral risk-reducing mastectomy had a similar procedure, improving symmetry. Results: 106 patients (212 breasts) were operated on with satisfactory results and complications due to infection, positioning of the implants on the learning curve, and surface irregularities. Conclusion: Immediate breast reconstruction after skin-preserving mastectomy by the proposed method is a possible option, obtaining good breast symmetrization and projection, return of sensitivity, and absence of total necrosis of the areola.

Keywords

• breast
• prostheses and implants
• mammaplasty
• breast neoplasms
• reconstructive surgical procedures