Abstract
Introduction:
Primary reconstruction of the breast is the standard of care for patients undergoing a mastectomy for breast cancer. Surgical techniques involving immediate implant reconstruction following skin-sparing mastectomy can offer improved patient self-image and enhanced aesthetic outcomes compared with other techniques. The use of an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) as a supporting material has been shown to further improve cosmetic results. Here, we describe a technique that allows for primary reconstruction of the breast mound with implant after a skin-sparing mastectomy in a single procedure using a new form of ADM known as FlexHD.
Materials and Methods:
A total of 50 patients (85 breast reconstructions) over a period of 20 months underwent immediate reconstruction with this method using a silicone gel mammary implant. The surgical approach and complications for each patient were documented. In some patients, biopsies were obtained 2 and 6 months after initial placement of FlexHD (at the time of expander replacement) for pathologic and histologic evaluations.
Results:
All reconstructions were completed in a single-stage procedure. The technique resulted in positive aesthetic outcomes and patient satisfaction with few complications and low postoperative pain. Infections were more frequently observed following bilateral mastectomy and in patients who had previous radiation therapy or were smokers. Fibroblast migration and neovascularization of the ADM were observed at 2 months with full incorporation into native tissue at 6 months.
Conclusions:
Our experience suggests that single-stage breast reconstruction with FlexHD is a preferred approach to the primary reconstruction of the breast after mastectomy.
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