Long-Term Dynamic Changes in Cosmetic Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction after Implant-Based Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction and Contralateral Mastopexy with or without an Ultrapro Mesh Sling Used for the Inner Bra Technique. A Retrospective Correlational Study

Abstract

Immediate implant-based postmastectomy breast reconstruction (IPMBR) with contralateral symmetrization has mostly short-term limited evidence of cosmetic outcomes. Because 84% of early-stage breast cancer patients have overall survival of more than 10 years, reconstructed breast symmetry should provide long-lasting results and acceptable patient satisfaction. Ageing, changes in body weight, and biomechanical changes after IPMBR and symmetrization may contribute to symmetry worsening. This non-interventional single-centre retrospective correlational study presents the clinical and aesthetic results of synthetic ULTRAPRO® mesh inner bra sling symmetrization mastopexy with standard mastopexies. According to the results, a total of 59 patients were enrolled in the mesh group (MG), and 58 patients were enrolled in the non-mesh group (NMG). There were no significant differences in surgical complications (p = 0.521; chi-square). The median sternal notch-to-nipple distance difference was 1 cm in the MG and 3.5 cm in the NMG from the last follow-up, and the median nipple-to-inferior mammary fold distance differences were 0.5 cm and 0.75 cm. The mesh did not hinder the follow-up investigation. In conclusion, ULTRAPRO® mesh sling symmetrization can be successfully used to decrease pseudoptosis and nipple down-migration, offering a safe alternative for long-lasting symmetry and high patient satisfaction.

Keywords

• breast reconstruction
• mastopexy
• oncoplastic breast surgery
• breast symmetrization