Total aesthetic reconstruction of postburn bilateral breast loss using transverse myocutaneous gracilis free flaps: A case report and literature review

Reconstruction of breast burns are challenging, as it includes both functional and aesthetic components. Transverse myocutaneous gracilis (TMG) flap has been used for postmastectomy breast reconstruction in the absence of abdominal donor site availability. Use of this flap for the breast burns is limited. A 32-year-old female sustained 54% second and third degree burns resulting with bilateral total breast loss. Anterior and posterior thorax, upper and mid abdomen, neck, shoulders, and bilateral upper extremities were also involved. Inner medial thighs had an ample amount of tissue and had never been used as donor sites. The left TMG (28 × 12 cm, 1,413 g) was used for right, and the right TMG (30 × 14 cm, 1,635 g) was used for the left breast, 3 months apart. The contracture on the chest wall was completely excised. Venous anastomosis to the venae commitantes was performed using a 2.5 mm coupler, followed by an end-to-end arterial anastomosis to the internal mammary artery. Flaps were inset in a fashion so that the inferior part became the inframammary fold, and the anterior and posterior wings were joined in the upper pole, creating a conical shape. Minimal wound dehiscence in the postoperative course healed with dressing changes and both flaps survived completely. Nipple reconstruction and areolar tattooing was performed. The patient was very happy with the outcome at seventh year follow-up. TMG may be a valuable option even in bilateral cases of microsurgical autologous free tissue transfer for total aesthetic reconstruction of postburn breast loss.     

中国妇女乳房乳晕乳头比例的测定及相关因素分析

目的为塑造自然、匀称而具有美感的乳房提供参考和依据。方法对45例22~45岁、对自己乳房满意且无乳房手术史的女性志愿者,分别测量体重、身高、乳头直径、乳晕直径、胸乳线(乳头至胸骨切迹连线距离)、乳房内侧半径(乳头至乳房下皱襞内侧止点连线距离)、乳房外侧半径(乳头至乳房下皱襞外侧止点连线距离)、乳房下半径(乳头至乳房下皱襞最低点连线距离)。以乳房外侧半径长度作为乳房大小参考指标,由此计算和确定乳房、乳晕、乳头之间的比例,并对可能影响其变化的年龄、体重、身高等因素进行研究分析。结果该组样本显示中国妇女乳房与乳晕之比约为3.7∶1.0,乳晕乳头之比约为3.4∶1.0。体重、体重指数与乳房大小、乳晕乳头比例之间呈正相关,具有显著的统计学意义;而年龄、身高的影响在该样本中并未显现。结论乳房与乳晕、乳头间具有一定的合适比例,体重和肥胖可能是影响该比例关系的因素。乳房、乳晕、乳头比例的确定对东方妇女的乳房整形和再造具有美学价值,可被用于手术中对乳房大小的理想化设计和预测。     

隆乳术切口和假体置放层次及手术剥离范围探讨

目的：探讨隆乳术的切口选择、假体置放层次和腔穴剥离范围。方法：于1996例9月至2001年9月间行隆乳术537例，选择三种手术切口；乳房下皱襞切口、乳晕切口、腋窝切口；假体置放于乳腺后间隙或胸大肌后间隙；胸大肌后间隙的剥离范围以第6肋间隙为下界。术后随访半年-5年。结果：术后乳房位置、形态、手感均满意511例（占95.2%）。结论：乳房下皱襞切口适于站立时乳房下皱襞明显或者乳房轻度下垂者；对于乳晕直径≥4cm的受术者，可采用乳晕缘内上或者内下弧形切口；腋下切口最为隐蔽，适于所有的受术者。假体置放于胸大肌后间隙具有手感更真实、不易形成纤维囊性硬变、不影响哺乳等优势。在胸大肌后间隙进行剥离，顺应乳房下皱襞韧带的解剖结构，将下界定于第6肋间隙。     

经脐孔缘切口置人充注式生理盐水假体隆乳术

目的 探讨经脐孔缘切口行充注式生理盐水假体隆乳术的手术方法,为隆乳术提供新切口选择.方法 沿脐孔缘切口,采用特制专用器械分离皮下隧道至乳房下皱襞,然后穿进胸大肌后间隙,分离假体放置空间,先置人扩张器,充注生理盐水后,调整乳房形态以及扩张器位置.然后取出扩张器,更换为充注式生理盐水乳房假体而完成手术.结果 采用经脐孔缘切口行充注式生理盐水假体隆乳术者,均获得了良好的手术效果,无感染、血肿、假体渗水、Baker Ⅲ或Ⅳ级纤维囊挛缩等并发症发生.结论 采用生理盐水充注式乳房假体,经脐孔缘切口可以完成胸大肌下隆乳术,增加了隆乳手术切口的选择范围.     

应用扩张后皮瓣修复乳房下部瘢痕

目的 探寻乳房下部瘢痕挛缩的较佳治疗方法. 方法 对2000年7月-2007年7月笔者单位收治的9例乳房下部瘢痕挛缩女性患者,行乳房周围皮肤扩张术.扩张器埋置切口多选择在乳房下部瘢痕处,置入部位以乳房周围侧胸部、胸部中央剑突附近为佳,且侧胸部置入时尽量使扩张器位置向上,与乳房上级水平齐平.扩张器埋置层次在深筋膜下及腺体表面.Ⅱ期充分松解挛缩的瘢痕,使腺体及乳房恢复正常解剖位置,将扩张后皮瓣设计成直接推进或易位皮瓣修复缺损,或直接拉拢缝合封闭创面. 结果 除1例患者皮瓣尖端4.0 cm×3.0 cm范围发生血运障碍,经植皮后创面愈合外,其余8例皮瓣均成活,创面愈合;所有患者乳晕、乳头均恢复正常解剖位置.其中3例6个月～2年后复诊,效果满意. 结论 应用扩张后皮瓣修复乳房下部瘢痕挛缩,效果良好.     

Simultaneous Breast Augmentation and Lift

Often, both augmentation and mastopexy are necessary to solve the problems of breast ptosis with hypoplasia. These two procedures can be done simultaneously with no increased risks. Patients who have any degree of ptosis may benefit from some lifting of the nipple areola complex if the nipple is not in the central portion of the general contour of the breast mound when seen in the upright position. A simple crescent or eccentric excision in the upper quadrant may be sufficient to lift the nipple–areola complex 1–2 cm. If the nipple needs to be moved more than a couple of centimeters, or if the distance between the nipple and the inframammary crease is already excessive, an inframammary skin excision and redraping will be necessary. We have been using these combined techniques for 20 years with universal patient satisfaction.     

双侧游离股后内侧穿支皮瓣再造一侧乳房

目的探讨双侧游离股后内侧穿支皮瓣再造一侧乳房的可行性。方法回顾性分析2018年10月至2019年6月湖南省肿瘤医院肿瘤整形外科收治的6例女性早期乳腺癌患者的临床资料。患者年龄31~47岁。肿瘤均为单侧,左侧3例,右侧3例;浸润性导管癌3例,浸润性小叶癌3例。对6例乳腺癌患者行一期或二期双侧游离股后内侧穿支皮瓣移植再造乳房。一期再造3例,乳腺肿块直径2.5~4.0 cm;二期再造3例。术后对皮瓣和供区的情况进行随访观察。结果6例患者手术过程顺利,切取皮瓣长(24.4±0.5)cm、宽(8.3±0.5)cm、厚(3.4±0.5)cm,血管蒂长度为(8.9±0.4)cm,动脉管径为(1.5±0.4)mm,静脉管径为(1.9±0.3)mm。皮瓣平均质量为235 g(165~345 g)。1例皮瓣供区术后1周出现淋巴漏,经持续负压吸引于2周后自行愈合。6例获5~8个月随访,平均5.5个月,所有皮瓣均成活,再造乳房外形可,弹性好,无皮瓣挛缩变形,供区仅遗留线性瘢痕,无下肢功能影响。6例效果均较满意,未发现乳腺癌复发。结论应用双侧游离股后内侧皮瓣移植再造一侧乳房效果较好,方法可行,可作为特殊情况下乳房再造的备选手术方案。     

Combining muscle-splitting biplane with multilayer capsulorrhaphy for the correction of bottoming down following subglandular augmentation

Implant malplacement is the second most common reason for revision and bottoming down is the most common presentation of implant malplacement. Submuscular biplane relocation was combined with capsulotomies and multilayer capsulorrhaphy when bottoming down was seen following subglandular breast augmentation. Between 2005 and 2009, bottoming down following subglandular mammoplasty was seen in 41 breasts (19 bilateral and three unilateral). Of the 19 patients, 12 had downward transgression of inframammary crease (IMC) alone; this also included a patient with vertical scar mastopexy. Two patients had multiplane malplacements where bottoming down was associated with lateral displacement (telemastia) in one and medial displacement (symmastia) in the other. Two had simultaneous downward transgression of the IMC and nipple areolar complex (NAC) and three had bottoming down with capsular contracture independent of NAC descent. Follow-up of up to 3 1/2 years showed stable IMC and NAC relationship with acceptable results. Dog ear revision was required in one patient when IMC relocation was accompanied with vertical scar mastopexy and one patient needed revision for further relocation and improvement of symmastia. No wound breakdown or periprosthetic infection was seen in their series. Multilayer capsulorrhaphy with submuscular biplane repositioning of implants is a suitable option to correct bottoming down following subglandular augmentation.     

The spring-back phenomenon: does the final position of the nipple areola complex correspond to the pre-operative markings in reduction mammoplasty?

This study investigates whether tissue recoil or patient intrinsic factors influence the final position of the nipple areola complex (NAC) after reduction mammoplasty. The age, pre-operative ptosis, BMI and weight of the tissue resected were recorded as patient intrinsic factors in 37 patients undergoing reduction mammoplasty. The “spring-back” value was defined as the distance from the sternal notch to a nipple landmark on the breast meridian with the patient sitting up, minus the same measurement repeated with the patient recumbent to eliminate the pull of gravity on the breast. Spring back was measured pre-operatively for the nipple and nipple mark then post-operative for the nipple. The difference in centimeters between the final post-operative distance from the sternal notch to the nipple and the level intended by the pre-operative nipple mark was termed the “judgment error.” The final position of the post-operative nipple and the judgment error was compared to the spring-back values and patient intrinsic factors. Pre-operative ptosis was statistically related to increasing patient BMI and mass of tissue resected per breast. Pre-operative spring-back values for the nipple increased with increasing ptosis, BMI and decreasing age. Spring-back values were greater in the lower pole of the breast than in the upper pole. The final position of the nipple was higher than the pre-operative mark in 65% of cases, lower in 8% and as marked in 27% of cases. The post-operative NAC was, on average, 0.6 cm higher than planned pre-operatively. The post-operative distance from the sternal notch to the nipple increased with increasing pre-operative ptosis, mass of breast tissue resected per breast and all three spring-back values. The difference between the level of the pre-operative mark and the final nipple position showed a weak correlation with post-operative spring-back values. The parameters of ptosis, BMI, weight of tissue resected per breast and pre-operative nipple spring back reflect body habitus and breast size. Spring-back values vary between the upper and lower pole of the breast. The final NAC position was higher than that intended at pre-operative marking in the majority of cases. The surgeon instinctively marks the nipple lower in patients with greater pre-operative ptosis and in whom a larger resection is anticipated. Judgment error did not relate to intrinsic factors nor to pre-operative spring-back values; hence, these parameters cannot be applied as predictive tools for more accurate pre-operative marking of the nipple position. This study suggests that the pre-operative nipple mark should be placed, with the patient sitting up, at least 23 cm from the sternal notch and 0.6 cm lower than the final position estimated using the inframammary crease as a landmark. An invited commentary on this paper is available at .     

Breast and chest asymmetries: classification and relative distribution of common asymmetries in patients requesting augmentation mammoplasty

Asymmetries of the breast and chest wall are common but a comprehensive classification of these asymmetries and their relative distribution is lacking in the literature. These asymmetries can be primarily due to breast size and shape or nipple areolar complex size or level discrepancy respectively. Breast asymmetries may also arise secondarily due to abnormalities of the underlying bony or soft tissues. A prospective recording of 312 augmentation mammoplasties performed by the author, from January to December 2007, were reviewed to assess breast and chest wall deformities together with an incidence and their relative distribution. From January to December 2007, 312 augmentation mammoplasties were performed. Mean age of the patients was 30.4 ± 9.1 years (range 18–58). Mean size of the implant was 325 ± 53 cm³ (range 200–620). Different size implants were used in 9% patients with a mean difference of 56.3 ± 33.7 cm³ (range 20–180). Patients were assessed for asymmetry of breast, chest, distance between jugular notch to nipple areolar complex and nipple areolar complex to inframammary crease. Breast Volume Asymmetries: Breasts were symmetrical in 53.5% (n = 167). Left breast was larger in 29.8% (n = 93) as compared to 16.7% (n = 52) on the right, and the difference was significant (P value < 0.001). Chest Wall Asymmetries: Chest wall was symmetrical in 89.7% (n = 280) and thoracic deformities or asymmetries were seen in 8.6% (n = 27). Chest wall and ribs were more prominent on the left side in 6.7% (n = 21) as compared to 1.9% (n = 6) on the right, and the difference was significant (P value < 0.003) Pectus excavatum and carinatum was seen in 0.6% (n = 2) and 1% (n = 3), respectively. Jugular Notch to Nipple Areolar Complex Distance Differences: Jugular notch to nipple areolar complex (NAC) distance was same on two sides in 67.2% with a mean distance of 19.7 cm (n = 207). In group (21.4%) with the left breast NAC lower (n = 66) the mean left NAC was 20.7 cm when compared to 19.04 cm on right. In group (11.2%) with right NAC lower than the left (n = 35), the mean NAC on the right was 21.2 cm as compared to 20.4 cm on the left. The left breast NAC (n = 66) was measured almost twice as low as the right (n = 35), and the difference between the two groups was significant (p value < 0.001). Nipple Areolar Complex to Inframammary Crease Distance Differences: Nipple to inframammary crease (IMC) distance was similar in 77.1% of patients with a mean of 6.69 cm. The group (n = 40) with higher measured distance on the left (13.1%), left mean nipple to IMC crease distance was 6.9 cm as compared to 6.17 cm on the right. The group (n = 30) with a higher measured nipple to IMC distance on the right (9.8%), the mean distance on the right was 7.12 cm as compared to 6.52 cm on the left. Though the incidence of the measured nipple to IMC distance was more common on the left (n = 40) than to the right (30), the difference between the two groups was without any statistical difference (p value = 0.2). A tuberous breast were seen in 3.9% (n = 12). Breast and chest wall asymmetries are common and majority of hyperplasias is seen on the left side. The majority of these patients may not require additional surgical manipulation or intervention however proper documentation is essential.     

Modified free nipple graft reduction mammaplasty to increase breast projection with superior and inferior dermoglandular flaps

Classic free nipple graft reduction mammaplasty often yields flat, boxy breasts with poor projection. The authors modified this technique using superior and inferior pyramidal dermoglandular flaps to increase the fullness and projection of the breast. Six patients (12 breasts) with gigantomastia underwent breast reduction by this method. The results were aesthetically pleasing, with conically shaped breasts and good projection. The technique is easy to perform and it is possible to switch from pedicled nipple-areolar transposition to this method intraoperatively in patients in whom perfusion of the nipple is questionable.     

Correction of a mild breast contracture with a new technique: "V-Y-Z-PLASTY"

Thermal anterior chest-wall burns including the breasts causes absent, hypoplastic or flattened breast deformities. There are many methods for secondary reconstruction of those deformities. In this report we present a mild breast burn contracture case treated with a technique which we have called "V-Y-Z plasty".     

Creation of a male chest in female transsexuals

This paper describes the indications for operation, the choice of operation, and the results in 9 patients evaluated by a gender identity clinic and referred for breast removal and construction of a male chest. These patients have lived for an average of ten years in their cross-gender identity and were found to be stable, nondemanding, cooperative, and responsible in their life as males. A different operation is recommended for each of three types of breasts. None of the patients was suitable for a simple gynecomastia-type operation. Patients with excess skin should have a procedure that produces an inframammary crease scar not connected to the nipple. Patients with less skin require a procedure that results in a C-shaped scar curing downward and laterally from the nipple.     

The effect of incision choice on outcomes of nipple-sparing mastectomy reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

The indications for nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) are broadening as more breast surgeons appreciate the utility of preserving the nipple-areolar complex. A number of incision locations are available to the mastectomy surgeon, including inframammary, lateral and periareolar approaches. The present study investigated the effect of these three incisions on reconstructive outcomes; specifically, nipple necrosis.

METHODS

A single-centre, retrospective review of 37 breast NSM reconstructions treated with immediate tissue expander reconstruction with acellular dermis between 2007 and 2008 was performed. The primary outcome was the incidence of nipple necrosis associated with periareolar, lateral and inframammary incisions. Secondary outcomes were the effects of radiation, chemotherapy and breast size on nipple necrosis.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven breast procedures performed on 20 patients were included in the present study. Periareolar incisions were used in 21 cases, lateral incisions in 14 and inframammary incisions in two. The periareolar incision was associated with a significantly higher incidence of nipple necrosis compared with lateral or inframammary incisions (38.1% versus 6.3%, P=0.028). Patients receiving breast radiation (45.5% versus 15.4%, P=0.066) and those with larger breast size (540.4 g versus 425.7 g, P=0.130) also demonstrated a modest trend toward an increased rate of nipple necrosis.

CONCLUSION

The periareolar incision results in a higher rate of nipple necrosis following NSM and immediate tissue expander breast reconstruction. Using the lateral or inframammary incision reduces the incidence of nipple necrosis and may help improve overall reconstructive and cosmetic outcomes.     

An alternative technique for managing the lower breast skin during secondary breast reconstruction with a TRAM flap

During secondary breast reconstruction with a transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap, the native breast skin between the mastectomy scar and inframammary crease is usually left intact, excised, or deepithelialized. The authors have developed transposition flaps utilizing this skin and subcutaneous tissue in selected patients. This technique is most useful in patients who present for secondary reconstruction whose remaining lower breast skin may have contracted or in patients who should have a vertically inset TRAM flap but do not have a wide enough flap relative to the length of the inframammary crease. Although the authors use this technique infrequently due to additional scars placed on the breast, it is a useful technique to add to the armamentarium of the reconstructive surgeon.     

Short scar reduction mammaplasty in the bariatric patient

Reduction mammaplasty may be necessary even after massive weight loss. Patients typically present with unfavorable breast features such as significant loss of upper pole volume, inelastic skin, and severe ptosis. The most common approach in the United States has been the Wise-pattern inferior pedicle technique, emphasizing skin excision. This report presents the short scar vertical reduction mammaplasty approach for the bariatric patient population. It aims to demonstrate improved outcomes with less scar burden. The study included 15 women (n = 29 breast reductions) with mean age of 41.8 years. All the patients had undergone gastric bypass surgery, with mean weight loss of 109 pounds and mean body mass index of 33.3 kg/m(2). A modified superomedial pedicle vertical mammaplasty technique was used. New nipple position was placed lower than the inframammary fold in accordance with vertical lack of upper pole fullness. Suction-assisted lipectomy was used to contour the inferior pole of the breast before glandular resection. A full-thickness superomedial pedicle and median incision of the upper pole maximized pedicle safety. The mean breast resection was 605 g on the right side (range, 352-945) and 592 g on the left side (range, 360-908). Patient satisfaction was high, with pleasing and stable breast shape at long-term, and a mean patient-related aesthetic ranking of 4.3 of 5.0. No major complications were noted. It is shown that superomedial pedicle vertical reduction mammaplasty can be an alternative approach in bariatric patients, achieving long-term pleasing and stable results with significantly decreased scar burden.     

Are augmentation mammaplasty and reconstruction of the burned breast collateral lines? Experience in performing simultaneous reconstructive and aesthetic surgery

Anterior chest burns in young females frequently result in complicated problems such as scar contracture, damage to the nipple-areolar complex and breast tissue. Furthermore, an absent breast mound, hypoplasia or disfigurement of developed breasts can result in breast asymmetry and psychological problems. So we presented an alternative procedure that combines burn scar reconstruction and augmentation mammaplasty performed during one operative session. We believe patients who have either smaller natural breasts or burned breast with anterior chest scar contracture can earn both functional and aesthetic benefits via this simultaneous operation.     

Mammoplasty with an L-shaped limited scar and retropectoral dermopexy

In mammoplasty the goal of the surgeon is giving the breast new form and volume and good, durable shape with minimal scarring. This article presents a simple technique of reduction mammoplasty that avoids incisions in the so-called hypertrophic areas of the chest, the medial and the lateral extremities of the submammary fold. The technique is based on nipple transposition on a superior semicircular flap in the new predetermined side, supra-areolar dermopexy. The skin of the inferior pole of the breast is internally de-epithelized to two curvilinear incisions that end near the projection of the anterior axillary line to form an inferior dermal flap for retropectoral dermopexy. The limited residual scar is L-shaped. Ptotic and hypertrophic breasts can be treated with this method.     

Increasing Projection in Patients Undergoing Free Nipple Graft Reduction Mammoplasty

Reduction mammoplasty in patients with gigantomastia has traditionally been performed by a technique involving free nipple grafting. These patients usually have only a small amount of breast tissue above the inframammary fold and therefore this type of procedure has often left patients with an insufficient amount of superior pole projection. I have performed free nipple grafting in three patients with gigantomastia using a technique that utilizes two deepithelialized pedicles to increase projection. This technique is simple to perform, does not significantly lengthen the operative time, and results in a breast that provides significant projection.