Improvement of Shoulder Motion in Two-Stage Dual-Plane Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction followed by Radiation Therapy through Delayed Prepectoral Conversion

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• breast reconstruction
• acellular dermal matrix
• radiotherapy
• shoulder