Comprehensive Comparison Between Shaped Versus Round Implants for Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Prosthetic breast reconstruction has been gaining popularity and a variety of implant options are currently available. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the safety and efficacy of newly developed shaped implants compared with those of conventional round implants. To date, few studies have investigated the outcomes of breast reconstruction with shaped versus round implants. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to comprehensively compare, via meta-analytic methodology, shaped and round breast implant reconstruction in terms of complication profiles and aesthetic satisfaction. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Ovid, and Cochrane databases were searched to identify relevant studies presenting the complication rates for shaped and round implant groups. The relative risks of the following complications between the groups were calculated: infection, seroma, capsular contracture, rupture, rippling, reconstruction failure, and implant exchange or removal. Outcomes of aesthetic satisfaction included aesthetic results and patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS: Meta-analysis of 8 retrospective cohort studies, representing 2490 cases of implant-based breast reconstruction, was performed. There were no significant differences in the risks of infection, seroma, capsular contracture, and reconstruction failure between the 2 groups. The risks of implant rupture and rippling were significantly reduced with shaped implants. In a subgroup analysis of shaped/textured and round/smooth implants, the risk of infection was significantly enhanced in the former, whereas incidences of other complications, including capsular contracture and reconstruction failure, were similar. Aesthetic satisfaction analysis of the 2 groups demonstrated similar outcome scores with favorable overall results. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that both shaped and round implants might provide favorable breast reconstruction outcomes with similarly low complication rates and aesthetic results.

Reliable transfer of multiple perforator-based pedicled flaps: Surgical technique and clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE: Although an increase in flap perfusion by incorporating multiple perforators has been demonstrated with free perforator flaps, whether the same efficacy can be achieved with pedicled flaps remains unclear, due to concerns regarding pedicle tension or kinking during flap transposition. The aim of this report was to investigate the reliability of multiple perforator-based pedicled flaps in a series of clinical cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients undergoing soft tissue reconstruction using multiple perforator-based pedicled flaps from 2008 to 2012 were reviewed. The causes of the defects were oncologic (n = 15) or chronic wounds (n = 11). The defect sites were the trunk (n = 19), lower extremities (n = 4), head and neck (n = 2), and upper extremities (n = 1). Diverse flap types were used, including the superior gluteal artery perforator flap, the lateral femoral circumflex artery perforator flap, the medial femoral circumflex artery perforator flap, and the thoracodorsal artery perforator flap. The flaps were transposed in a rotation-and-advancement manner after skeletonizing each perforator and proximally dissecting the pedicle. The donor site was closed primarily. RESULTS: Mean flap size was 125.2 cm2 , and the mean number of perforators used was 2.3 (2-5). The mean angle of pivotal rotation for flap transposition was 132.8°. No rotation-related problems including pedicle kinking or twisting developed, and all flaps survived completely. No significant donor-site morbidity was observed. The mean follow-up period was 38.1 months. CONCLUSIONS: This report suggests that through meticulous dissection of pedicles of sufficient length, the multiple perforator-based pedicled flaps can be successfully transposed while minimizing the risk of pedicle tethering. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:105-111, 2017.

Reconstructing facial contour deformities using stereoscopic thoracodorsal artery perforator adipofascial flaps.

PURPOSE: Correcting facial contour deformities is a challenge, as it demands thoughtful planning on design, composition of flap, and secondary procedures. The thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap has become a workhorse flap for various reconstructions. In this report, we present our experience of reconstructing facial contour deformities using the free TDAP adipofascial flap, focusing on its customized design. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Sixteen patients underwent correction of a facial contour deformity with free TDAP adipofascial flaps from 2002 to 2012. The causes of defects were Romberg disease (n = 7), oncological defects (n = 5), craniofacial microsomia (n = 3), and trauma (n = 1). The flaps were three-dimensionally designed in a contour map fashion to have different thickness according to the defects by adjusting the height of adipose tissue and varying tissue composition. Customized dimension of flaps having reliable perfusion were harvested with minimized sacrifice of overlying skin. RESULTS: Flap size ranged from 6 × 3 cm to 25 × 25 cm. Six flaps were based on two perforators and the other 10 on one. Five flaps were harvested in a chimeric fashion. All flaps survived completely. No donor morbidity developed in any case. Seven patients underwent secondary corrections including fat injection or liposuction. Improved contour and symmetry were achieved in all patients and was confirmed by a photographic evaluation. Mean follow-up period was 37.8months. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the stereoscopic TDAP adipofascial flaps with diligent secondary approaches may be a reliable alternative for aesthetic reconstruction of facial contour deformities. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:300-306, 2017.

Reconstruction of Head and Neck Capillary Malformations With Free Perforator Flaps for Aesthetic Purposes.

BACKGROUND: Capillary malformations (CMs) are composed of dilated capillaries and venules in the dermis layer. They appear as pink- or purple-colored lesions on the involved skin and usually follow a dermatomal distribution. Generally, laser treatment is considered the treatment of choice; however, in some patients, a surgical approach should be considered. This article presents the authors' experiences with free perforator flap transfer to the head and neck after resection of CMs for aesthetic purposes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 5 patients with CMs on their head and neck underwent operations for aesthetic purposes. After lesion debulking, defect sizes were measured and precise flaps were designed. A primary flap-thinning procedure was needed in obese patients before flap inset. The donor site was closed primarily in 4 cases. RESULTS: Thoracodorsal artery perforator free flaps were performed in all patients. The average size of harvested flaps was 146.8 cm. All flaps survived without recurrence of CM on the skin paddle of the transferred flap. Aesthetic restoration and high patient satisfaction were achieved after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The authors used free flaps to improve aesthetic outcomes, which have been used for reconstruction after trauma and malignancy. Free perforator flap transfer should be considered a valuable option for head and neck CMs.

Hepatic differentiation of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells and adverse effects of arsanilic acid and acetaminophen during in vitro hepatic developmental stage.

In the present study, we differentiated hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) from human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs). The hepatic differentiation was confirmed by increases in hepatic proteins or genes, the cytochrome P450 (CYP) activities, albumin secretion, and glycogen storage. To determine the developmental toxic effect of arsanilic acid (Ars) and acetaminophen (AAP) on the hepatic development, the differentiating cells were treated with the test chemicals (below IC12.5) from day 4 to day 13. The enzymatic activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) did not significantly differ in response to Ars treatment. AAP treatment increased the activities of all enzymes in a dose-dependent manner, significantly at concentrations of 2.5 and 5 mM of AAP. On the expressions of hepatic genes for Ars, the expressions were significantly inhibited by more than 0.5 mM for Albumin (ALB), but only 2.5 mM for α-feto protein (AFP). In the AAP-treated group, the expressions of ALB and AFP were significantly decreased at the concentrations exceeding 0.625 mM. The activities of CYP3A4 were not changed by both treatments. The activities of CYP1A2 were increased by AAP, whereas it was decreased by Ars treatment. In conclusion, AAP could cause serious adverse effects during the hepatic development as compared to Ars.

Donor site morbidity following DIEP flap for breast reconstruction in Asian patients: Is it different?

BACKGROUND: Despite the decrease in donor-site morbidity with the advent of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction, abdominal complications still occur. There have been few studies on donor morbidity considering the ethnic differences in the Asian population, as represented by a lower BMI with less redundant tissue and a tendency for poor scarring. In the present study, the authors investigated the incidence of abdominal complications and their risk factors following DIEP flap breast reconstruction in an Asian population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective review of DIEP flap based breast reconstructions performed in the past 5 years. Data regarding patient demographics, surgical details, and abdominal complications were collected from our prospectively maintained database and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 217 patients who underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction were included. There were 51 abdominal complications (23.5%), including 18 delayed wound healing, 17 hypertrophic scarring, 12 seroma formation, and 8 abdominal bulges with no hernias. Secondary procedures were performed for the donor-site complications in 36 cases. Flap height was a significant risk factor for overall donor-site morbidity. Harvesting a bipedicle flap was significantly associated with abdominal fat necrosis and hypertrophic scarring. Harvesting a flap based on perforators from both rows was significantly associated with abdominal delayed wound healing and hypertrophic scarring. CONCLUSIONS: DIEP flap breast reconstruction performed in Asian patients showed acceptable donor-site morbidity without significant complications. This study suggests that donor-site morbidity from harvesting a DIEP flap is comparable to that described in Western literatures.

Estimation of eighth costal cartilage in surgical timing of microtia reconstruction.

There is controversy over the optimal timing of microtia reconstruction. The eighth costal cartilage, which is used to shape the helix framework, can be one of the key factors determining surgical timing of microtia reconstruction. Nevertheless, it is difficult to predict the length of the eighth costal cartilage preoperatively. The aim of the present study was to suggest clinical predictors of the length of the eighth cartilage by assessing the correlation between the actual length of the eighth cartilage and preoperative measurements of the cartilage length using three-dimensional rib-cage computed tomography (3D rib-cage CT). A retrospective analysis was performed on a total of 97 patients who underwent preoperative 3D rib-cage CT and auricular reconstruction using a rib cartilage graft between January 2010 and February 2013. The length of the eighth costal cartilage on 3D rib-cage CT was measured preoperatively, and the length of the harvested eighth rib cartilage was measured intraoperatively. We analyzed the association between the preoperative and intraoperative measured length of the eighth rib, with patient age, height, weight, and body mass index. Preoperative measurement using 3D rib-cage CT showed a high correlation with actual cartilage length. Height and weight correlated more strongly with length than with age. This study describes the usefulness of 3D rib-cage CT for preoperative measurement of the length of the eighth costal cartilage. The measurement of the eighth rib cartilage on 3D rib-cage CT could be a useful aid for reconstructive surgeons in planning microtia reconstruction.

Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging-based breast volumetry for immediate breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a routine test for oncologic evaluation. However, determining breast volume using a preoperative MRI obtained as a part of oncologic evaluation has not yet been attempted for immediate breast reconstruction. The study introduces the benefit of MRI-based volumetry, not only in autologous breast reconstruction but also in implant-based breast reconstruction. METHODS: Forty patients preparing for autologous breast reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap and 30 patients for implant-based breast reconstruction from June 2011 to June 2012 were included in this study. In every DIEP case, we collected data about actual resected breast tissue weight during mastectomy and final flap weight inserted intraoperatively. Computed tomography (CT) was for preoperative CT angiography for microsurgical breast reconstruction, whereas MRI was performed for oncologic evaluation. In every implant-based reconstruction case, MRI-based breast volume was measured in the same way for DIEP patients and resected breast tissue weight was measured intraoperatively. In addition, we also added or subtracted the breast volume by any modification, such as reduction and augmentation on the ipsilateral or contralateral side. To determine the accuracy of MRI-based volumetry, Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to quantify the correlation between CT and MRI-based volumetry data and intraoperative volume measurements. RESULTS: For DIEP patients, the mean resected breast tissue weight during mastectomy was more closely related to the mean estimated breast volume using MRI than to the mean estimated breast volume using CT (Pearson coefficient 0.928 and 0.782; p = 0.001). MRI gave a closer correlation to final flap weight than CT (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.959 and 0.873; p = 0.001). For implant-based reconstruction patients, the breast volume measured by MRI correlated closely with the actual mean weight of resected breast specimens (0.937; p = 0.001). Mean net implanted volume was more closely related to mean estimated breast volume using MRI than to mean resected breast tissue weight during mastectomy (0.893 and 0.880; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Reliable volumetric information can be obtained using MRI for breast implant volume and autologous tissue needed in optimizing symmetry in breast reconstruction. 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 .

Augmentation mammoplasty with silicone implant using transumbilical approach at a subpectoral level.

Endoscopic placement of breast implants has been described through an umbilical incision. Limitations include the fact that only inflatable implant can be used through umbilical approach. The purpose of this study is to describe the authors' evolutionary transumbilical technique with cohesive silicone gel implant insertion and to retrospectively analyze preliminary results. The authors' technique is the placement of a cohesive silicone gel implant using a transumbilical approach in a subpectoral plane. Patients who were selected had mammary hypoplasia without ptosis and who requests breast augmentation with a scarless and natural feel breast were considered candidates. The technique and indications are presented thoroughly. From June of 2011 to January of 2012, 42 women aged 23 to 46 years (average, 31.6 years) underwent the endoscopic transumbilical breast augmentation. All patients had round silicone implants placed in the retropectoral pocket location. The results of this study indicate that transumbilical technique is highly successful. Complication included transient periumbilical bulging (5 patients, 11.9%), hypertrophic scar needing revision (1 patient, 2.3%), and conversion to other breast incision due to capsular contracture (3 of 84 breasts, 3.5%). Transumbilical breast augmentation with prefilled implant is a safe and attractive technique for breast implant placement in selected patients. With this inventory modification, the result can permit surgeons expanded spectrum of implant selection for transumbilical approach.

Preoperative rib cartilage imaging in 3-dimensional chest computed tomography for auricular reconstruction for microtia.

BACKGROUND: There are several methods that may be used to confirm the status of rib cartilage, such as physical examinations or chest radiography, for subjects with microtia. However, these methods are limited because of clinicians' inability to gain accurate information about the rib cartilage. We performed 3-dimensional chest computed tomography to preoperatively evaluate the accuracy of rib cartilage imaging. METHODS: A total of 37 patients preparing for auricular reconstruction using a rib cartilage graft underwent preoperative 3-dimensional rib cage computed tomography (3-D rib CT). The 3-D rib CT was performed in cases of secondary revisional reconstruction, those with a history of surgery using rib cartilage, in those with a history of trauma related to the rib cage, older patients with question of calcification of rib cartilage, or those with a suspected rib cartilage anomaly on physical examination. Preoperatively, the appropriateness of using the rib cartilage were evaluated. RESULTS: With the aid of the 3-D rib CT, successful autogenous auricular reconstruction was achieved in 36 patients. Framework fabrication in combination with a porous polyethylene implant and autogenous rib cartilage was performed in the remaining patient as planned preoperatively. By analyzing the 3-D rib CT image preoperatively, auricular reconstruction using a recycled rib cartilage graft with newly harvested rib cartilage was performed successfully in 13 of 14 secondary revisional cases. Based on preoperative CT images, modified surgical planning in terms of cartilage harvest and framework fabrication was needed in 8 of 11 patients who had a history of operation using rib cartilage and in 3 of 5 subjects with suspected rib cage anomalies on physical examination. Successful reconstruction was achieved using the modified surgical plan. CONCLUSIONS: A preoperative 3-D rib CT helps in surgical planning for autogenous auricular reconstruction for microtia, especially in patients with suspicious rib cartilage status.

Endoscopic excision of benign facial tumors: a decade of experience with 152 patients.

Endoscopic excision is a growing treatment option for benign facial tumors; however, its outcome has not been reported in a large series with long-term follow-up. The purpose of this study was to present the outcome of our decade-long experience with endoscopic excision, compared with direct excision.We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent surgical treatment using either the endoscopic or direct approach for benign facial tumors from January 2001 to January 2012. Patient demographics, complications, recurrence, and pathological results were collected. Patient satisfaction was assessed using survey questionnaires. The results of endoscopic excision and direct excision were compared.Endoscopic excision was performed for 152 patients consisting of 77 lipomas (50.7%), 45 osteomas (29.6%), 24 dermoid cysts (15.8%), and 6 others (3.9%). The masses were located on the forehead in 138 patients (90.8%) and on the cheeks in 14 patients (9.2%). Direct excision was performed for 123 patients composed of 62 lipomas (50.4%), 46 dermoid cysts (37.4%), 11 osteomas (8.9%), and 4 others (3.3%). The mean follow-up period was 4.6 years. In the endoscopic excision group, hematomas developed in 2 and wound dehiscence in 1 patient. In the direct excision group, 1 hematoma and 1 wound dehiscence occurred. There were 4 recurrent cases in the endoscopic excision group and 1 recurrent case in the direct excision group, but there was no statistically significant difference in the recurrence rate between the 2 groups (2.6% vs 0.8%, P=0.258). Patient satisfaction was higher in the endoscopic excision group than in the direct excision group (satisfaction for aesthetics, 92.98 vs 71.71%, P<0.001; satisfaction for procedure, 89.9 vs 76.15%, P=0.001).Compared with direct excision, endoscopic excision provided a comparable recurrence rate and higher patient satisfaction in this decade-long study. Endoscopic excision is a safe and valuable treatment option for selected benign tumors on the forehead and cheek.

Surgical treatment of masseteric venous malformations and outcomes.

Intramuscular venous malformations are often misdiagnosed as other types of tumors with similar presentations. We describe here the typical presentation of a venous malformation within the masseter muscle, including the physical findings and imaging, and present our experience with the surgical excision of these lesions. This is a review of 10 patients with venous malformations localized to the masseter muscle who presented to our institution between 2008 and 2011. The patients included 6 females and 4 males. Of these venous malformations, 80% were noted in childhood, and the remainder manifested later in adolescence. Pain, swelling, and facial asymmetry were the presenting complaints. Magnetic resonance imaging, Doppler ultrasonography, and whole-body blood scintigraphy were used to characterize the lesions. All patients were treated by total resection of the lesion while preserving the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve. Magnetic resonance imaging showed the lesions to be isointense with surrounding muscle on T1-weighted images and hyperintense on T2-weighted images. Gross examination of the resected specimens revealed multicolored tissue with dilated vascular channels, frequently containing phleboliths. After the operation, all patients showed improvement in both symptoms and appearance. This improvement was sustained at a mean follow-up of 21 months. Masseteric venous malformations typically present with a pattern of clinical and imaging findings that should allow surgeons to distinguish them from other diseases in the cheek area. Complete surgical excision is a treatment option for these patients and can be performed without facial nerve injury or excessive bleeding. This procedure can result in excellent outcomes for localized intramasseteric venous malformation.

Is late seroma a phenomenon related to textured implants? A report of rare complications and a literature review.

BACKGROUND: Late seroma is an infrequent complication that manifests as fluid collection in the periprosthetic space at least 1 year after breast enlargement surgery. Interest in late seroma has grown with the potential connection between breast implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), which presents with clinical symptoms similar to those of late seroma. This report presents a case of late seroma experienced by a patient with a history of multiple implant ruptures and a review of the relevant literature. METHODS: Details are reported for a patient who presented with sudden swelling of an augmented breast that was initially suspected to be symptomatic of ALCL. A literature search of PubMed regarding this phenomenon also was conducted. RESULTS: The literature review identified 14 articles on late seroma involving 60 patients, including the reported case. Analyses included epidemiology, etiology, and management strategy. Although a detailed statistical analysis was not performed, 55 cases (92 %) of late seroma occurred that involved patients with textured implants. No evidence-based guideline for the management of late seroma has been established, although the patients were managed successfully in all cases using various strategies. CONCLUSIONS: The reported case and data from the literature provide evidence of a relationship between textured implant use and late seroma. Based on their review, the authors offer "sequential treatment steps," from conservative treatment to surgical management, which will be helpful for successful management of future late seroma cases. However, further study is needed to clarify the relationship, if any, between a particular type of textured implant and the development of late seroma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: 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 .

Negative-pressure wound dressings to secure split-thickness skin grafts in the perineum.

Several researches have shown that negative-pressure wound dressings can secure split-thickness skin grafts and improve graft survival. However, in anatomically difficult body regions such as the perineum it is questionable whether these dressings have similar beneficial effects. In this study, we evaluated the effects of negative-pressure wound dressings on split-thickness skin grafts in the perineum by comparing wound healing rate and complication rate with that of tie-over dressings. A retrospective chart review was performed for the patients who underwent a split-thickness skin graft to reconstruct perineal skin defects between January 2007 and December 2011. After grafting, the surgeon selected patients to receive either a negative-pressure dressing or a tie-over dressing. In both groups, the initial dressing was left unchanged for 5 days, then changed to conventional wet gauze dressing. Graft success was assessed 2 weeks after surgery by a single clinician. A total of 26 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 56·6 years and the mean wound size was 273·1 cm(2). Among them 14 received negative-pressure dressings and 12 received tie-over dressings. Negative-pressure dressing group had higher graft taken rate (P = 0·036) and took shorter time to complete healing (P = 0·01) than tie-over dressing group. The patients with negative-pressure dressings had a higher rate of graft success and shorter time to complete healing, which has statistical significance. Negative-pressure wound dressing can be a good option for effective management of skin grafts in the perineum.

Minimizing surgical skin incision scars with a latex surgical glove.

BACKGROUND: The current trend in minimally invasive surgery is to make a small surgical incision. However, the excessive tensile stress applied by the retractors to the skin surrounding the incision often results in a long wound healing time and extensive scarring. To minimize these types of wound problems, the authors evaluated a simple and cost-effective method to minimize surgical incision scars based on the use of a latex surgical glove. METHODS: The tunnel-shaped part of a powder-free latex surgical glove was applied to the incision and the dissection plane. It was fixed to the full layer of the dissection plane with sutures. The glove on the skin surface then was sealed with Ioban (3 M Health Care, St. Paul, MN, USA) to prevent movement. The operation proceeded as usual, with the retractor running through the tunnel of the latex glove. RESULTS: It was possible to complete the operation without any disturbance of the visual field by the surgical glove, and the glove was neither torn nor separated by the retractors. The retractors caused traction and friction during the operation, but the extent of damage to the postoperative skin incision margin was remarkably less than when the operation was performed without a glove. CONCLUSION: This simple and cost-effective method is based on the use of a latex surgical glove to protect the surgical skin incision site and improve the appearance of the postoperative scar. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: 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 .

Aesthetic refinement of secondary cranioplasty using methyl methacrylate bone cements.

BACKGROUND: Cranioplasty using alternate alloplastic bone substitutes instead of autologous bone grafting is inevitable in the clinical field. The authors present their experiences with cranial reshaping using methyl methacrylate (MMA) and describe technical tips that are keys to a successful procedure. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent cranioplasty with MMA between April 2007 and July 2010 was performed. For 20 patients, MMA was used for cranioplasty after craniofacial trauma (n = 16), tumor resection (n = 2), and a vascular procedure (n = 2). The patients were divided into two groups. In group 1, MMA was used in full-thickness inlay fashion (n = 3), and in group 2, MMA was applied in partial-thickness onlay fashion (n = 17). The locations of reconstruction included the frontotemporal region (n = 5), the frontoparietotemporal region (n = 5), the frontal region (n = 9), and the vertex region (n = 1). The size of cranioplasty varied from 30 to 144 cm(2). RESULTS: The amount of MMA used ranged from 20 to 70 g. This biomaterial was applied without difficulty, and no intraoperative complications were linked to the applied material. The patients were followed for 6 months to 4 years (mean, 2 years) after MMA implantation. None of the patients showed any evidence of implant infection, exposure, or extrusion. Moreover, the construct appeared to be structurally stable over time in all the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Methyl methacrylate is a useful adjunct for treating deficiencies of the cranial skeleton. It provides rapid and reliable correction of bony defects and contour deformities. Although MMA is alloplastic, appropriate surgical procedures can avoid problems such as infection and extrusion. An acceptable overlying soft tissue envelope should be maintained together with minimal contamination of the operative site. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: 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 .

Treatment algorithm of galactorrhea after augmentation mammoplasty.

Galactorrhea is a known complication of breast surgery, particularly reduction mammoplasty. However, in augmentation mammoplasty, it is a rare event. There are only a few case reports concerning galactorrhea after augmentation mammoplasty. In this report, we present a case of galactorrhea that occurred at 2 weeks postoperatively in a 34-year-old woman who had undergone augmentation mammoplasty with silicone implants via a transaxillary approach. Endocrinologic tests including serum prolactin level, routine blood work, and breast ultrasonography were all normal. The authors decided to manage conservatively with close observation. After 1 month, the symptom resolved without sequelae, and no recurrence has been reported.

Risk factors for donor-site seroma formation after immediate breast reconstruction with the extended latissimus dorsi flap: a statistical analysis of 120 consecutive cases.

The extended latissimus dorsi flap has been widely used for breast reconstruction. However, seroma at the donor site is a common complication and makes it difficult for reconstructive surgeons to choose it as a primary option. We analyzed the association between seroma and reconstructions with extended latissimus dorsi flaps. A series of 120 consecutive cases were included in this study. The average body mass index (BMI) was 22.1 kg/m, and the mean ratio of the flap weight to the extirpated breast weight was equivalent to 101.6%. The mean age of patients was 40.3 years. Donor-site seroma was reported in 69.2% (83 cases) of the total patients. With respect to BMI, flap weight, and age, the incidence and duration of donor-site seroma showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Both the incidence and duration of seroma were significantly higher and longer in patients who had high BMI (>23 kg/m), large flap (>450 g) for reconstructions, or advanced age (>45 y). In these cases, greater attention and additional adjunctive procedures would be needed to prevent seroma.

Bilateral liponecrotic pseudocysts after breast augmentation by fat injection: a case report.

Breast augmentation with autologous fat injection is becoming increasingly popular. This article aims to describe bilateral liponecrotic pseudocysts after injection of fat into the breast. A 42-year-old woman presented with palpable indurations and pain with pressure. She also showed abnormalities on her breast cancer screening. The woman underwent mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, and pathologic confirmation to evaluate the breast abnormalities. These radiologic examinations were consistent with liponecrotic pseudocysts on both sides. Bilateral lumpectomies were performed through an inframammary approach. Histologic examination of the specimens showed fat necrosis and dystrophic calcification. Autologous fat grafting to the breast is not a simple procedure and should be performed by well-trained and skilled plastic surgeons. During the surgery, caution should be exercised.

Optimal Timing of Expander-to-Implant Exchange after Irradiation in Immediate Two-Stage Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Time intervals for expander-to-implant exchange from radiation therapy have been reported to reduce device failure. This study investigated the optimal timing of expander-to-implant exchange after irradiation in terms of short- and long-term outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective review enrolled consecutive patients who underwent immediate two-stage breast reconstruction and radiation therapy to tissue expanders from 2010 to 2019. Receiver operating characteristic curves and the Youden index were used to estimate the optimal time from radiation therapy to implant placement in terms of 49-day (early) and 2-year (late) complications. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for each complication. RESULTS: Of the 1675 patients, 133 were included. The 49-day and 2-year complication rates were 8.3 percent and 29.7 percent, respectively. Capsular contracture was the most common 2-year complication. The Youden index indicated that implant placement at 131 days after radiation therapy was most effective in reducing the 49-day complications, but that the 2-year complication was less significant, with lower sensitivity and area under the curve. Modified radical mastectomy, expander fill volume at radiation therapy, and size of permanent implant increased the odds of 49-day complications; none of them was associated with the odds of 2-year complications. CONCLUSIONS: To reduce short-term complications, the best time point for permanent implant placement was 131 days after radiation therapy. However, there was no significant time interval for reducing long-term complications. Capsular contracture was an irreversible complication of radiation injury that was not modified by postirradiation variables including the time from irradiation or size of permanent implant. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.