Breast reconstruction with reverse mini abdominoplasty

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Mastectomy is very traumatic for women, and breast reconstruction is an essential procedure to improve their psychosocial well-being and quality of life. Most plastic surgeons do not perform breast reconstruction. This practice requires advanced training with a long learning curve. Breast reconstruction using excess flaps in reverse abdominoplasty can be a practical option and of great applicability in carefully selected patients. METHODS: From August 2014 to June 2016, 12 patients underwent breast reconstruction using the reverse mini abdominoplasty technique. Symmetrization was performed in six patients who underwent unilateral reconstruction, with one case reconstructed bilaterally. The implants were placed in the supra-muscular plane and in a submuscular position in seven and five patients, respectively. RESULTS: There was one case each of seroma, epitheliolysis, and partial superficial necrosis of the superficial flap, all with favorable evolution. Only one patient underwent implant extrusion. CONCLUSION: Breast reconstruction using excess flaps in reverse mini abdominoplasty associated with implant placement is a good option for breast reconstruction in selected patients with a low complication rate. Patients with flaccidity and lipodystrophy in the upper abdomen are the ideal candidates for the use of this technique.

Keywords

• reconstructive surgical procedures
• abdominoplasty
• breast
• mammaplasty