Enhanced study of facial soft tissues using a novel large scale histology technique.

The safety and effectiveness of facial cosmetic surgery procedures are dependent on detailed 3D understanding of the complex surgical anatomy of the face. Traditional, small sample size anatomical dissection studies have limitations in providing definitive clarification of the fascial layers of the face, and especially in their relationship with the facial nerve, and their reaction to surgical manipulation. The objective study of large tissue areas is required to effectively demonstrate the broader architecture. Conventional histology techniques were modified to handle extraordinarily large tissue samples to fulfill this requirement. Full-thickness soft tissue samples (skin to bone) of maximum length 18 cm, width 4 cm, and tissue thickness 1 cm, were harvested from 20 hemifaces of 15 fresh human cadavers (mean age at death = 81 years). After fixation, the samples were processed with an automated processor using paraffin wax for 156 h, sectioned at 30 µm, collected on gelatin-chromium-coated glass slides, stained with a Masson's Trichrome technique and photographed. Using this technique, excellent visualization was obtained of the fascial connective tissue and its relationship with the facial mimetic muscles, muscles of mastication and salivary glands in 73 large histological slides. The resulting slides improved the study of the platysma and superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS), the spaces and ligaments, the malar fat pad, and the facial nerve in relations to the deep fascia. Additionally, surgically induced changes in the soft-tissue organization were successfully visualized. This technique enables improved insight into the broad structural architecture and histomorphology of large-scale facial tissues.

The Surgical Anatomy of the Jowl and the Mandibular Ligament Reassessed.

INTRODUCTION: A visible jowl is a reason patients consider lower facial rejuvenation surgery. The anatomical changes that lead to formation of the jowl remain unclear. The aim of this study was to elucidate the anatomy of the jowl, the mandibular ligament and the labiomandibular crease, and their relationship with the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-nine cadaver heads were studied (16 embalmed, 33 fresh, mean age 75 years). Following preliminary dissections and macro-sectioning, a series of standardized layered dissections were performed, complemented by histology, sheet plastination and micro-CT. RESULTS: The jowl forms in the subcutaneous layer where it overlies the posterior part of the mandibular ligament. The mandibular ligament proper exists only in the deep, sub-platysma plane, formed by the combined muscular attachment to the mandible of the specific lower lip depressor muscles and the platysma. The mandibular ligament does not have a definitive subcutaneous component. The labiomandibular crease inferior to the oral commissure marks the posterior extent of the fixed dermal attachment of depressor anguli oris. CONCLUSION: Jowls develop as a consequence of aging changes on the functional adaptions of the mouth in humans. To accommodate wide jaw opening with a narrowed commissure requires hypermobility of the tissues overlying the mandible immediately lateral to the level of the oral commissure. This hypermobility over the mandibular attachment of the lower lip depressor muscles occurs entirely in the subcutaneous layer to allow the mandible to move largely independent from the skin. The short, elastic subcutaneous connective tissue, which allows this exceptional mobility without laxity in youth, lengthens with aging, resulting in laxity. The development of subcutaneous and dermal redundancy constitutes the jowl in this location. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: "This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 ."

The Influence of BIA-ALCL on the Use of Textured Breast Implant and its Placement: A Survey of Dutch Plastic Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and its association with macrotextured breast implants may have induced plastic surgeons to change their breast augmentation and breast reconstruction practice. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to survey Dutch plastic surgeons about the effects of BIA-ALCL on their choice of breast implant texture and placement technique. METHODS: An online questionnaire was distributed to all members of the Dutch Association of Plastic Surgeons. Descriptive data were presented as frequencies and percentages. Technique alterations were analyzed by the marginal homogeneity test for paired nominal data. RESULTS: A total of 63 plastic surgeons completed the questionnaire. The majority of respondents altered their use of textured implants due to BIA-ALCL concerns for both breast augmentation and reconstruction (75.4% and 69.8%, respectively; both being statistically significant, P < .001). Microtextured and smooth/nanotextured breast implants are now most frequently used. BIA-ALCL did not influence the placement technique in breast augmentation and reconstruction (87.7% and 94.3%, respectively). Dual-plane breast implant placement is still the most favored technique for breast augmentation, and submuscular placement is still most favored for breast reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: BIA-ALCL has had a significant impact on the use of macrotextured breast implants by Dutch plastic surgeons in both aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery. Breast implant placement technique has not been affected.

The Functional Anatomy and Innervation of the Platysma is Segmental: Implications for Lower Lip Dysfunction, Recurrent Platysmal Bands, and Surgical Rejuvenation.

BACKGROUND: Despite the central role of the platysma in face and neck rejuvenation, much confusion exists regarding its surgical anatomy. OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to clarify the regional anatomy of the platysma and its innervation pattern and to explain clinical phenomena, such as the origin of platysmal bands and their recurrence, and the etiology of lower lip dysfunction after neck lift procedures. METHODS: Fifty-five cadaver heads were studied (16 embalmed, 39 fresh, mean age 75 years). Following preliminary dissections and macro-sectioning, a series of standardized layered dissections were performed, complemented by histology and sheet plastination. RESULTS: In addition to its origin and insertion, the platysma is attached to the skin and deep fascia across its entire superficial and deep surfaces. This composite system explains the age-related formation of static platysmal bands, recurrent platysmal bands after complete platysma transection, and recurrent anterior neck laxity after no-release lifting. The facial part of the platysma is primarily innervated by the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve, whereas the submandibular platysma is innervated by the "first" cervical branches, which terminate at the mandibular origin of the depressor labii inferioris. This pattern has implications for postoperative dysfunction of the lower lip, including pseudoparalysis, and potential targeted surgical denervation. CONCLUSIONS: This anatomical study, comprised of layered dissections, large histology, and sheet plastination, fully describes the anatomy of the platysma including its bony, fascial, and dermal attachments, as well as its segmental innervation including its nerve danger zones. It provides a sound anatomical basis for the further development of surgical techniques to rejuvenate the neck with prevention of recurrent platysmal banding.

Does Scarpa's Fascia Preservation in Abdominoplasty Reduce Seroma? A Systematic Review.

Abdominoplasty is a widely utilized cosmetic surgery procedure. Despite its popularity, seroma formation remains a prevalent complication. Seroma can lead to extended recovery time, increased medical appointments, and the potential for infection or the need for additional surgical revision. Preserving Scarpa's fascia may mitigate the risk of seroma in patients following abdominoplasty. The goal of this systematic review was to determine the impact of preserving Scarpa's fascia on the occurrence of seroma and total drain output following an abdominoplasty procedure. This review searched academic literature in MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE (OvidSP), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) for clinical and observational studies published in peer-reviewed journals, from March 2022 to November 2022, that evaluated the impact of preserving Scarpa's fascia on postoperative seroma and total drain output during abdominoplasty. The primary outcomes of interest were seroma and total drain output, with secondary outcomes of interest including hematoma, time to drain removal, length of hospital stay, wound dehiscence, and infection rate. The systematic review of 8 studies, involving 846 patients, found that the preservation of Scarpa's fascia during an abdominoplasty procedure was associated with decreased seroma occurrence, reduced drain output, faster drain removal, and fewer infections. However, it did not affect the incidence of hematoma, hospital stay duration, or wound dehiscence. The preservation of Scarpa's fascia during an abdominoplasty procedure should be considered as a routine practice, because it has been shown to result in reduced seroma incidence rates and faster drain removal.

Lifting the Anterior Midcheek and Nasolabial Fold: Introduction to the Melo Fat Pad Anatomy and Its Role in Longevity and Recurrence.

BACKGROUND: A limitation of current facelift techniques is the early postoperative reappearance of anterior midcheek laxity associated with recurrence of the nasolabial fold (NLF). OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to examine the regional anatomy of the anterior midcheek and NLF with a focus on explaining the early recurrence phenomenon and to explore the possibility of alternative surgical methods that prolong NLF correction. METHODS: Fifty cadaver heads were studied (16 embalmed, 34 fresh; mean age, 75 years). Following preliminary dissections and macrosectioning, a series of standardized layered dissections were performed, complemented by histology, sheet plastination, and microcomputed tomography. Mechanical testing of the melo fat pad (MFP) and skin was performed to gain insight on which structure is responsible for transmission of the lifting tension in a composite facelift procedure. RESULTS: Anatomic dissections, sheet plastination, and microcomputed tomography demonstrated the 3-dimensional architecture and borders of the MFP. Histology of a lifted midcheek demonstrated that a composite MFP lift causes a change in connective tissue organization from a hanging-down pattern into a pulled-upward pattern, suggesting traction on the skin. Mechanical testing confirmed that, in a composite lift, despite the sutures being placed directly into the deep aspect of the MFP, the lifting tension distal to the suture is transmitted through the skin and not through the MFP. CONCLUSIONS: The usual method of performing a composite midcheek lift results in the skin, and not the MFP itself, bearing the load of the nondissected tissues distal to the lifting suture. For this reason, early recurrence of the NLF occurs following skin relaxation in the postoperative period. Accordingly, specific surgical procedures for remodeling the MFP should be explored, possibly in combination with volume restoration of the fat and bone, for more lasting improvement of the NLF.

Autologous lipoaspirate as a new treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus: A review on literature.

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis that mostly affects the genital and anal skin areas. Symptoms may vary from pruritis and pain to sexual dysfunction; however, LS can also be asymptomatic. LS occurs at all ages and in both sexes. Approximately 5% of all women affected by vulvar LS will develop vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. Topical treatment is safe but less effective resulting in chronic course in most patients, who suffer from persistent itching and pain. In severe cases of therapy-resistant LS, there is no adequate treatment. Fat grafting is a novel regenerative therapy to reduce dermal fibrosis. The therapeutic effect of adipose tissue grafts for LS is already investigated in various pioneering studies. This review provides an overview of these studies and the putative mechanisms-of-action of fat grafting to treat LS.

Skin measurement devices to assess skin quality: A systematic review on reliability and validity.

BACKGROUND: Many treatments aim to slow down or reverse the visible signs of skin aging and thereby improve skin quality. Measurement devices are frequently employed to measure the effects of these treatments to improve skin quality, for example, skin elasticity, color, and texture. However, it remains unknown which of these devices is most reliable and valid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched. Instruments were scored on reporting construct validity by means of convergent validity, interobserver, intraobserver, and interinstrument reliability. RESULTS: For the evaluation of skin color, 11 studies were included describing 16 measurement devices, analyzing 3172 subjects. The most reliable device for skin color assessment is the Minolta Chromameter CR-300 due to good interobserver, intraobserver, and interinstrument reliability. For skin elasticity, seven studies assessed nine types of devices analyzing 290 subjects in total. No intra and interobserver reliability was reported. Skin texture was assessed in two studies evaluating 72 subjects using three different types of measurement devices. The PRIMOS device reported excellent intra and interobserver reliability. None of the included reviewed devices could be determined to be valid based on construct validity. CONCLUSION: The most reliable devices to evaluate skin color and texture in ordinary skin were, respectively, the Minolta Chromameter and PRIMOS. No reliable device is available to measure skin elasticity in ordinary skin and none of the included devices could be determined to be designated as valid.

Single Center and Surgeon's Long-Term (15-19 Years) Patient Satisfaction and Revision Rate of Round Textured Eurosilicone Breast Implants.

BACKGROUND: Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic plastic surgical procedures, with over 250,000 procedures in the United States in 2020 alone. However, the safety of breast implants should be closely researched and monitored, especially in the long term. OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to evaluate the long-term results of round micro-textured Eurosilicone (Eurosilicone S.A.S, Apt Cedex, France) Cristalline Paragel breast implants from a single-center, single-surgeon experience regarding both patient-reported outcome measures and revisions. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken of 84 patients who underwent primary breast augmentation with round micro-textured Eurosilicone Cristalline Paragel breast implants, either submuscular (dual-plane) or subglandular placed, between 2001 and 2004. All patients were contacted for informed consent, and after approval, the validated BREAST-Q questionnaire was sent and utilized to analyze patient satisfaction. In addition, objective data regarding revisions, including capsular contracture, rupture rate, pain, and/or aesthetic causes needing revision surgery, were analyzed. RESULTS: High BREAST-Q scores (67%-100% for 0-100 scale variables and 66.0%-77.3% of the patients scored "very satisfied" on categorical variables) were found without clinically significant differences between patients with dual-plane-placed implants and subglandular-placed implants. The overall revision rate was 29.8%, also with no significant differences between groups (P = 0.317). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed high patient satisfaction and relatively low revision rates after 15 to 19 years of follow-up of round micro-textured Eurosilicone Cristalline Paragel breast implants. No clinically relevant significant differences were found between dual-plane and subglandular placement of the implants.

Lifting the Mouth Corner: A Systematic Review of Techniques, Clinical Outcomes, and Patient Satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: Mouth corners are an essential part of the centrofacial area for perception of attractiveness and emotions. Downturned mouth corners are a result of aging or have a congenital origin. Different mouth corner lifting techniques are described in the literature. OBJECTIVES: This review was performed to systematically assess and compare invasive and noninvasive mouth corner lifting techniques and their effectiveness, patient satisfaction, and adverse effects. METHODS: MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE (OvidSP), and the Cochrane Central Register of controlled trials databases were searched for clinical and observational studies published in peer-reviewed academic journals with abstracts available (searched from May 18, 2019, to December 18, 2021). Outcomes of interest were aesthetic mouth corner lifting techniques, the degree of lift as well as the longevity of the lifting effect, patient satisfaction, and adverse effects. Techniques were subdivided in invasive techniques and noninvasive techniques. RESULTS: Out of 968 studies found from the search, 11 were included in the qualitative analysis. In general, surgical techniques seem to have a better mouth corner lifting effect than nonsurgical techniques; however, objective evidence is weak, and surgery inevitably results in a scar. Reported patient satisfaction was good for both surgical and nonsurgical techniques and no severe complications have been described. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical techniques seem to have a better lifting effect on mouth corners than nonsurgical techniques. Nevertheless, objective evidence is weak, and a scar is inevitable.

Supplementation of Facial Fat Grafting to Increase Volume Retention: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: For decades, facial fat grafting has been used in clinical practice for volume restoration. The main challenge of this technique is variable volume retention. The addition of supplements to augment fat grafts and increase volume retention has been reported in recent years. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review was to investigate which supplements increase volume retention in facial fat grafting as assessed by volumetric outcomes and patient satisfaction. METHODS: Embase, Medline, Ovid, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar were searched up to November 30, 2020. Only studies assessing volume after facial fat grafting with supplementation in human subjects were included. Outcomes of interest were volume or patient satisfaction. The quality of the studies was assessed with the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool. RESULTS: After duplicates were removed 3724 studies were screened by title and abstract. After reading 95 full-text articles, 27 studies were eligible and included for comparison. Supplementation comprised of platelet-rich plasma, platelet-rich fibrin, adipose tissue-derived stromal cells or bone marrow-derived stromal cells, cellular or tissue stromal vascular fraction, or nanofat. In 13 out of 22 studies the supplemented group showed improved volumetric retention and 5 out of 16 studies showed greater satisfaction. The scientific quality of the studies was rated as weak for 20 of 27 studies, moderate for 6 of 27 studies, and strong for 1 study. CONCLUSIONS: It remains unclear if additives contribute to facial fat graft retention and there is a need to standardize methodology.

Tissue Stromal Vascular Fraction Improves Early Scar Healing: A Prospective Randomized Multicenter Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Wound healing and scar formation depends on a plethora of factors. Given the impact of abnormal scar formation, interventions aimed to improve scar formation would be most advantageous. The tissue stromal vascular fraction (tSVF) of adipose tissue is composed of a heterogenous mixture of cells embedded in extracellular matrix. It contains growth factors and cytokines involved in wound-healing processes, eg, parenchymal proliferation, inflammation, angiogenesis, and matrix remodeling. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that tSVF reduces postsurgical scar formation. METHODS: This prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial was conducted between 2016 and 2020. Forty mammoplasty patients were enrolled and followed for 1 year. At the end of the mammoplasty procedure, all patients received tSVF in the lateral 5 cm of the horizontal scar of 1 breast and a placebo injection in the contralateral breast to serve as an intrapatient control. Primary outcome was scar quality measure by the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Secondary outcomes were obtained from photographic evaluation and histologic analysis of scar tissue samples. RESULTS: Thirty-four of 40 patients completed follow-up. At 6 months postoperation, injection of tSVF had significantly improved postoperative scar appearance as assessed by the POSAS questionnaire. No difference was observed at 12 months postoperation. No improvement was seen based on the evaluation of photographs and histologic analysis of postoperative scars between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Injection of tSVF resulted in improved wound healing and reduced scar formation at 6 months postoperation, without any noticeable advantageous effects seen at 12 months.

Autologous Lipofilling Improves Clinical Outcome in Patients With Symptomatic Dermal Scars Through Induction of a Pro-Regenerative Immune Response.

BACKGROUND: Autologous lipofilling is an emerging procedure to treat and possibly reverse dermal scars and to reduce scar-related pain, but its efficacy and mechanisms are poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that repeated lipografts reverse dermal scars by reinitiation of wound healing. METHODS: In a prospective, non-placebo-controlled clinical study, 27 adult patients with symptomatic scars were given 2 lipofilling treatments at 3-month intervals. As primary outcome, clinical effects were measured with the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Scar biopsies were taken before and after treatments to assess scar remodeling at a cellular level. RESULTS: Twenty patients completed the study. Patients' scars improved after lipofilling. The total POSAS scores (combined patient and observer scores) decreased from 73.2  [14.7] points (mean [standard deviation]) pretreatment to 46.1 [14.0] and 32.3 [13.2] points after the first and second lipofilling treatment, respectively. Patient POSAS scores decreased from 37.3 [8.8] points to 27.2 [11.3] and 21.1 [11.4] points, whereas observer POSAS scores decreased from 35.9 [9.5] points to 18.9 [6.0] and 11.3 [4.5] points after the first and second treatment, respectively. After each lipofilling treatment, T lymphocytes, mast cells, and M2 macrophages had invaded scar tissue and were associated with increased vascularization. In addition, the scar-associated epidermis showed an increase in epidermal cell proliferation to levels similar to that normal in skin. Moreover, lipofilling treatment caused normalization of the extracellular matrix organization towards that of normal skin. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous lipofilling improves the clinical outcome of dermal scars through the induction of a pro-regenerative immune response, increased vascularization, and epidermal proliferation and remodeling of scar tissue extracellular matrix.

The Addition of Tissue Stromal Vascular Fraction to Platelet-Rich Plasma Supplemented Lipofilling Does Not Improve Facial Skin Quality: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Lipofilling has become popular as a treatment to improve aging-related skin characteristics (eg, wrinkles, pigmentation spots, pores, or rosacea). Different additives such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stromal vascular fraction (SVF) have been combined with lipofilling to increase the therapeutic effect of adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the hypothesis that mechanically isolated SVF augments the therapeutic effect of PRP-supplemented lipofilling to improve facial skin quality. METHODS: This prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial was conducted between 2016 and 2019. In total, 28 female subjects were enrolled; 25 completed the follow-up. All patients received PRP-supplemented lipofilling with either mechanically isolated SVF or saline. SVF was isolated by fractionation of adipose tissue (tSVF). Results were evaluated by changes in skin elasticity and transepidermal water loss, changes in skin-aging-related features, ie, superficial spots, wrinkles, skin texture, pores, vascularity, and pigmentation, as well as patient satisfaction (FACE-Q), recovery, and number of complications up to 1 year postoperative. RESULTS: The addition of tSVF to PRP-supplemented lipofilling did not improve skin elasticity, transepidermal water loss, or skin-aging-related features. No improvement in patient satisfaction with overall facial appearance or facial skin quality was seen when tSVF was added to PRP-supplemented lipofilling. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison to PRP-supplemented lipofilling, PRP-supplemented lipofilling combined with tSVF does not improve facial skin quality or patient satisfaction in a healthy population. PRP-supplemented lipofilling combined with tSVF can be considered a safe procedure.

Fractionation of Adipose Tissue Procedure With a Disposable One-Hole Fractionator.

BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue has been widely used in regenerative surgery for its therapeutic potential. This potential is often ascribed to the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), which can be mechanically isolated. Mechanical isolation results in an SVF that retains intact cell-cell communication including extracellular matrix and is therefore named tissue-SVF (tSVF). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate a new disposable 1-hole fractionator for fractionation of adipose tissue (FAT), and compare this new device with the existing reusable 3-hole fractionator. METHODS: The composition of tSVF obtained via the 1-hole fractionator was histologically and histochemically compared to unprocessed adipose tissue. The number of viable nuclear cells in tSVF obtained by the 1-hole and 3-hole fractionators as well as unprocessed adipose tissue were compared after enzymatic isolation and tested for colony-forming capacity. Flow cytometry was used to compare different cell compositions based on surface marker expression between tSVF isolated by the two types of fractionators. RESULTS: Fractionation of adipose tissue with the 1-hole fractionator condenses vasculature and extracellular matrix by disrupting adipocytes. The number of viable nuclear cells in tSVF obtained with the two fractionators was comparable and significantly higher than unprocessed lipoaspirate. Furthermore, tSVF isolated by both fractionators showed similar cell compositions and comparable colony-forming capacities. CONCLUSIONS: FAT with a disposable 1-hole fractionator effectively isolates tSVF with a cell count and cell composition comparable to the fraction obtained with the 3-hole reusable fractionator. The disposable 1-hole fractionator, however, is safer and more user friendly.

Effectiveness, Longevity, and Complications of Facelift by Barbed Suture Insertion.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive facelift techniques involving barbed suture insertion have become popular among patients who wish to correct facial tissue ptosis. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to determine the effectiveness, longevity, complications, and postoperative sequelae associated with facelift by means of barbed polydioxanone (PDO) threads. METHODS: A total of 160 consecutive patients who underwent facelift with barbed threads were evaluated retrospectively. For malar augmentation and correction of nasolabial grooves, 2 or 3 PDO threads (23 gauge) were placed per side; for treatment of mandibular lines, 2 to 4 PDO threads (21 gauge) were inserted per side. RESULTS: Immediately after suture placement and for 1 month postoperatively, patients experienced improvement in facial tissue ptosis. This aesthetic result declined noticeably by 6 months and was absent by 1 year. The overall complication rate in the early postoperative period was 34% (55 of 160 patients). Eighteen patients (11.2%) had superficial displacement of the barbed sutures, 15 (9.4%) experienced transient erythema, 10 (6.2%) had infection, 10 (6.2%) experienced skin dimpling, and 2 (1.2%) had temporary facial stiffness. CONCLUSIONS: Placement of barbed threads yields instantaneous improvement in facial ptosis that is no longer apparent by 1 year. Given this transient benefit and the complication rate of 34%, we recommend limiting this procedure to patients with contraindications for more invasive facial surgery.

Evaluation of Contralateral and Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy and Reconstruction Outcomes: Comparing Alloplastic and Autologous Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Over the last decade, there has been a 12% increase in prophylactic mastectomy (PM) per year. The aim of the study was to analyze complication rates and associated risk factors in patients undergoing PM and reconstruction. METHODS: We reviewed patients undergoing PM (contralateral and bilateral) from 2010 to 2015 at a single academic institution. Data on patient characteristics and postoperative outcomes were obtained. Postoperative complications were categorized into minor and major groups. We compared complication rates between autologous and alloplastic reconstruction. Patient characteristics were assessed using univariable and multivariable models. RESULTS: Reconstruction after PM was performed on 390 breasts over the study period: 214 underwent autologous and 176 underwent alloplastic reconstruction. When comparing autologous and alloplastic reconstruction, significant differences were seen between the number of immediate breast reconstructions (96.3% vs 48.9%, P < 0.001, respectively) and 2-stage reconstructions (0.5% vs 44.9%, P < 0.001, respectively). The overall complication rate was 15.9%: 14.6% were minor complications, and 6.9% were major. Autologous reconstruction compared with alloplastic reconstruction had a lower incidence of minor complications (11.2% vs 18.8%, P = 0.036), breast infection (1.9% vs 13.1%, P < 0.001), and breast seroma (2.3% vs 7.4%, P = 0.018), respectively. Risk factors for complications included age (≥65), obesity, American Society of Anesthesiology class (≥3), smoking, hypertension, anxiety, tissue expander (with acellular dermal matrix), and implant-only reconstructions. CONCLUSION: In our study, autologous reconstruction appeared to have a better complication profile than alloplastic reconstruction. Clinicians may potentially use this information to guide preoperative counseling of women considering PM and reconstruction.