Simple Reshaping of the Breast in Massive Weight Loss Patients: Promising Preliminary Results.

BACKGROUND: The challenging breast reshaping after massive weight loss (MWL) has been increasingly performed as the number of bariatric surgery procedures increase worldwide. The breasts often appear wide, lateralized, and deflated, with significant ptosis. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to share our initial experience using the lower pole subglandular advancement mastoplasty (LOPOSAM) technique to reshape the breasts in MWL patients and to elaborate the technical details and simplicity of the method in the attached video. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed 30 LOPOSAM procedures in 15 MWL women aged 24 to 63 years from February to September 2015. We used a wise pattern mark-up and a superior based pedicle for the relocation of the nipple areola complex. The key step for the autoaugmentation was an inferior and central mound based parabola-shaped flap, which was placed in a subglandular pocket to reshape the breast and lift the inframammary crease. RESULTS: The median operation time for the LOPOSAM procedure was 81 minutes (range, 35-160 minutes) by 2 surgeons. The median weight loss was 64 kg (range, 45-103) and 22 body mass index units (range, 16-33) per patient. The median follow-up was 240 days (range, 105 Powered by Editorial Manager and ProduXion Manager from Aries Systems Corporation to 345). The surgical goal was achieved in all cases. Four complications occurred in 3 patients, 1 major, a hematoma-requiring surgery and 3 minor wound dehiscence. The self-reported patient satisfaction was high, 13 were very satisfied with the result, 1 satisfied, and 1 less satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: The LOPOSAM technique is quick and simple to perform, and the preliminary results are promising. However, a longer follow-up is needed to confirm this.

Color Doppler Ultrasonography-Targeted Perforator Mapping and Angiosome-Based Flap Reconstruction.

Knowledge about perforators and angiosomes has inspired new and innovative flap designs for reconstruction of defects throughout the body. The purpose of this article is to share our experience using color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU)-targeted perforator mapping and angiosome-based flap reconstruction throughout the body. The CDU was used to identify the largest and best-located perforator adjacent to the defect to target the reconstruction. The cutaneous or fasciocutaneous flaps were raised, mobilized, and designed according to the reconstructive needs as rotation, advancement, or turnover flaps. We performed 148 reconstructions in 130 patients. Eleven facial reconstructions, 118 reconstructions in the body, 7 in the upper limbs, and 12 in the lower limbs. The propeller flap was used in 135 of 148 (91%) cases followed by the turnover design in 10 (7%) and the V to Y flap in 3 (2%) cases. The flaps were raised on 1 perforator in 98 (67%), 2 perforators in 48 (33%), and 3 perforators in 2 (1%) flaps. The reconstructive goal was achieved in 143 of 148 reconstructions (97%). In 5 cases, surgical revision was needed. No flaps were totally lost indicating a patent pedicle in all cases. We had 10 (7%) cases of major complications and 22 (15%) minor complications. The CDU-targeted perforator mapping and angiosome-based flap reconstruction are simple to perform, and we recommended its use for freestyle perforator flap reconstruction. All perforators selected by CDU was identified during surgery and used for reconstruction. The safe boundaries of angiosomes remain to be established.

The Versatile Extended Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap for Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The thoracodorsal artery perforator (TAP) flap is a versatile tool that can be used to reconstruct the breast. The authors use preoperative perforator mapping using color Doppler ultrasonography and present a safe, efficient harvesting technique to demonstrate reliable use of the TAP flap in reconstructive surgery. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective review was performed on all patients undergoing TAP flap reconstruction from August 2011 to November 2014. Data were collected from patient records as well as outpatient interviews. RESULTS: A total of 106 TAP flaps were performed in 97 patients. The flaps were raised with either 1 perforator (42/106), 2 perforators (55/106), or three perforators (9/106), and turned as a propeller in 99 of 106 (93%) flaps or buried as a turnover in 7 of 106 (7%) of flaps. The mean operative time was 200 minutes (range, 60-485). Major complications occurred in 10 of 106 (10%) cases and included hematoma (1/108), venous congestion (2/108), and partial flap necrosis (7/108). The reconstructive goal was achieved in 103 of 106 (97%) flaps. CONCLUSIONS: The TAP flap is a pedicled, fasciocutaneous flap that can be used for total breast reconstruction as well as breast conserving surgery. This large, multicenter series describes our techniques of preoperative perforator mapping and a fast, reliable harvest. Reconstructive goals are accomplished in the great majority of patients.

Two Adjacent Capillary Perforator Flaps? A Reconstruction of a Full-thickness Alar Defect.

Any aspect of nasal reconstruction poses a worthy challenge for every plastic surgeon. Most skin tumors affect older patients who also happen to have surplus skin. This is certainly a blessing in disguise for the reconstructive surgeon, enabling the use of local flaps to reconstruct the lost skin, like with like. We present a simple case of full thickness alar and partial lateral nasal defect for malignant melanoma, and how we were fortunate to reconstruct the defect successfully in a single operation using two adjacent local capillary perforator flaps: one for inner lining and the other for outer lining. A touch-up was performed after 3 months for improved cosmesis. A successful reconstruction is displayed with a video showing key steps of the procedure and results before and after a simple touch-up correction for improved appearance. This is a case of successful reconstruction of a full-thickness alar defect using a combination of two adjacent capillary perforator flaps. It is the first case to our knowledge where this combination is applied and displayed in a video demonstration.

Beyond the 21-cm Notch-to-nipple Myth: Golden Proportions in Breast Aesthetics.

BACKGROUND: The 21-cm notch-to-nipple distance has been accepted without academic scrutiny as a key measure in breast aesthetics. The Fibonacci sequence and phi ratio occur frequently in nature. They have previously been used to assess aesthetics of the face, but not the breast. This study aims to assess if the static 21-cm measure or the proportional phi ratio is associated with ideal breast aesthetics. METHOD: Subclavicular-breast height and breast width were used to calculate the aesthetic ratio. Subjects were subsequently aesthetically rated. A one-sample t-test was used to determine if the ratio for each breast differed from phi. Breast scores with one, both, or no breasts were compared with an optimal phi ratio. Analysis of variance was performed. Tukey-Kramer adjustment for multiple comparisons was used when pairwise comparisons were conducted. RESULTS: Five subjects (14%) had bilateral optimal phi ratio breasts. Four subjects (11%) had one breast with an optimal phi ratio. Subjects with bilateral optimal phi ratios had significantly higher overall breast scores than those with only one optimal breast (Δ = 0.86, P = 0.025) or no optimal breast (Δ = 0.73, P = 0.008). Distance from optimal Fibonacci nipple position was moderately to strongly correlated with aesthetic score (-0.630, P = 0.016). No correlation was found between 21-cm notch-to-nipple distance and aesthetic score. CONCLUSION: The bilateral optimal phi ratio is correlated with high overall aesthetic scores, as is the optimal Fibonacci nipple position. No correlation was found between 21-cm notch-to-nipple distance and overall aesthetic score.

An Aesthetic Factor Priority List of the Female Breast in Scandinavian Subjects.

Background: There is little consensus about the relative determinative value of each individual factor in female breast aesthetics. When performing breast surgery with an aesthetic goal, certain factors will be more important than others. The purpose of this study was to make an aesthetic factor rank list to determine the relative contributions to overall breast aesthetics. Method: Volunteers were scanned using the 3-dimensional Vectra system. Ten Scandinavian plastic surgeons rated 37 subjects, using a validated scoring system with 49 scoring items. The correlation between specific aesthetic factors and overall breast aesthetic scores of the subjects were calculated using Pearson's r, Spearman's ρ, and Kendall's τ. Results: A very strong correlation was found between overall breast aesthetic score and lower pole shape (0.876, P < 0.0001). This was also true for upper pole shape (0.826, P < 0.0001) and breast height (0.821, P < 0.0001). A strong correlation was found between overall breast aesthetic score and nipple position (0.733, P < 0.0001), breast size (0.644, P < 0.0001), and breast width (0.632, P < 0.0001). Factors that were only moderately correlated with aesthetic score were intermammary distance (0.496, P = 0.002), nipple size and projection (0.588, P < 0.0001), areolar diameter (0.484, P < 0.0001), and areolar shape (0.403, P < 0.0001). Perceived symmetry was a weak factor (0.363, P = 0.027). Conclusions: Aesthetic factors of the female breast can be ranked in a priority list. Shape of the lower pole and upper pole and breast height are primary factors of female breast aesthetics. These should be prioritized in any aesthetic breast surgery. Vertical dimensional factors seem to be more determinative than horizontal factors.

A simple clinical assessment of breast animation deformity following direct-to-implant breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: A high incidence of breast animation deformity (BAD) has been reported following immediate breast reconstruction with subpectorally placed implants. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the incidence of BAD in women who underwent either subpectoral or prepectoral immediate breast reconstruction. Therefore, we developed a grading tool and tested its reproducibility in a clinical setting. METHODS: Video recordings of 37 women who had undergone unilateral or bilateral immediate breast reconstruction were evaluated by two consultant plastic surgeons. The degree of BAD was assessed by our grading tool, named the Nipple, Surrounding Skin, Entire Breast (NSE) grading scale, which evaluates the degree of tissue distortion in three areas of the breast. Blinded assessments were performed twice by each observer. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were reconstructed with subpectoral implant placement and 19 with prepectoral implant placement. Using the NSE grading scale, we found a significant difference in the degree of BAD between the groups, in favor of patients who underwent prepectoral immediate breast reconstruction (0.2 vs. 4, P=0.000). Inter- and intraobserver agreement was moderate (74%) to strong (88%). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence and severity of BAD was significantly lower in women reconstructed with a prepectorally placed implant than in those who underwent subpectoral immediate breast reconstruction. All patients reconstructed using the subpectoral technique had some degree of BAD. The inter- and intraobserver agreements were high when using the NSE grading scale, suggesting it is an easy-to-use, reproducible scale for assessing BAD in women who undergo immediate breast reconstruction.

Utilizing the lateral excess for autologous augmentation in massive weight loss patients.

The number of patients in need of a mastopexy with autologous augmentation after massive weight loss (MWL) increases along with the increasing number of bariatric surgeries. The primary aim of this paper was to visualize how we utilize the lateral excess of the breast for auto augmentation. The secondary aim was to assess the outcome using the LOPOSAM technique in a larger study population. This retrospective study included 72 MWL patients aged 40±9 years undergoing a bilateral LOPOSAM procedure, between March 2015 and April 2018. All patients had undergone a weight loss of more than 15 BMI units, had a BMI of less than 30 kg/m2 at the time of surgery and functional problems due to excess or lax skin. Patient demographics, comorbidities, cause of MWL, operative time and complications were recorded. The mean weight loss was 58±18 kg or 21±6 BMI units. The mean operative time was 97±39 minutes. The surgical goal was achieved in all patients. Three patients (4%) experienced hematomas requiring surgical intervention. The utilization of the lateral excess of the breast for auto augmentation in MWL patients is visualized. The long term results using the LOPOSAM mastopexy technique shows that the technique is quick, safe and with a low rate of complications.

Breast animation deformity.

Breast animation deformity (BAD) has been reported to occur after submuscular implant placement following breast augmentation and immediate breast reconstruction. Despite its apparent impact on patients' quality of life, BAD has only recently become a topic of general concern. Its incidence and etiology have yet to be established. The aim of this systematic review was to identify papers that clearly defined and classified BAD and described how the degree of animation was assessed. We performed a search in PubMed and Embase. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria that described BAD after implant-based breast augmentation or immediate breast reconstruction were included. After screening 866 publications, four studies were included: three describing BAD after breast augmentation and one describing BAD after immediate breast reconstruction. The median percentage of patients with some degree of BAD was 58%. The highest percentages were found in patients operated on using the Regnault technique or the dual-plane technique (73%-78%). The lowest percentages were found following the dual-plane muscle-splitting technique (30%) and the triple-plane technique (33%). We found no studies meeting the inclusion criteria that analyzed BAD after prepectoral implant placement. This review of the current literature suggests that the degree of BAD is proportional to the degree of muscle involvement. Evidence is scarce, and the phenomenon seems to be underreported. Future comparative studies are warranted.

Visualized bilateral breast reconstruction by propeller thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps.

Thoracodorsal artery perforator (TAP) flaps are versatile flaps that provide a consistent and aesthetically pleasing breast reconstruction. We prefer the TAP flap to the latissimus dorsi (LD) flap due to the morbidity associated with the LD flap. In this paper we aim to show how we perform bilateral TAP flap breast reconstruction and present our preliminary results from 32 bilateral reconstructions in 16 patients. The TAP flap breast reconstruction can be performed as a direct-to-implant or a delayed procedure depending on patient factors. Color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) is used in the preoperative planning which promotes the safety and reliability of the flap by mapping perforators thus enabling faster dissection. The bilateral TAP flap breast reconstruction is usually performed in three steps: (I) raising the flaps at the recipient site; (II) rotating the TAP flaps and (III) completion of the breast reconstruction.

Nipple sparing mastectomy and the evolving direct to implant breast reconstruction.

In this paper, we describe the evolving use of the nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and direct to implant breast reconstruction according to existing literature and our own experience. The surgical method enables superior aesthetic results resembling that of a natural breast while maintaining oncologic safety. Acellular dermal matrix enables direct to implant breast reconstruction by serving as a hammock and can be used with acceptable rates of complications. A successful nipple-sparing mastectomy and direct to implant breast reconstruction approach with acceptable postoperative complication rates relies upon quality of the mastectomy skin flaps and correct patient selection. The surgical method has developed with a rapid pace and expected to evolve further in terms of technical modalities, safety measure and lasting results.

Color Doppler ultrasonography targeted reconstruction using pedicled perforator flaps-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Flaps are increasingly popularized in reconstructive surgery and there is need to test and increase their reliability. Color Doppler ultrasound has been stated to be valuable in flap planning. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature of Color Doppler ultrasound targeted pedicled perforator flaps and provide information on outcomes and complication rates. METHOD: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted for articles published until April 2017 in PubMed and Embase. We aimed to include randomized clinical trials, meta-analysis, prospective studies, case-control studies, and cohort studies written in English. We included studies where CDU was used to identify the perforator(s) prior to surgery. We evaluated the quality of the included studies using checklists recommended by the Cochrane group. RESULTS: From the initial 219 studies, only 12 studies using Color Doppler targeted pedicled perforator flaps in 252 cases met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eleven of these were case series and one a prospective study. The incidence of major complications was 8% (21/252) and minor complications was 14%, comprising of mostly necrosis 8% (24/252) and venous congestion 8% (21/252). CONCLUSIONS: The reconstructive success rate following pedicled perforator flap reconstruction targeted by CDU appears to be high and the procedure provides a wide scope of applications and margin of safety. It is evident that the risk of venous congestion is 11 times greater in the lower extremities than the truncus, a finding that needs further attention in future studies.Level of Evidence: Level IV, risk/prognostic study.

[Fat grafting of the breast].

An increasing amount of evidence supports the benefits of fat grafting for breast augmentation, correction following breast-conserving surgery, breast reconstructions as well as correction of tuberous, hypoplastic and asymmetrical breasts. The aim of fat grafting is to create a breast with an aesthetic, natural appearance. In this review, we describe the most common indications for fat grafting of the breast and give an overview of the techniques in use as well as their associated risks and future perspectives.

[Reconstructive breast surgery using implant and mesh].

The demand for reconstructive surgery after therapeutic and prophylactic mastectomy is increasing. The hammock technique for breast reconstruction was introduced in 2001 and provides support for the implant using either biologically derived or synthetic mesh. The material is formed as a hammock in the lower pole of the reconstructed breast, and due to its supportive capabilities it has been found to shorten the time needed for reconstruction, decrease the risk of capsular contracture and leave a superior aesthetic result. Correct patient selection seems crucial for optimizing the aesthetic outcome and minimizing complications.

The Versatile Modiolus Perforator Flap.

BACKGROUND: Perforator flaps are well established, and their usefulness as freestyle island flaps is recognized. The whereabouts of vascular perforators and classification of perforator flaps in the face are a debated subject, despite several anatomical studies showing similar consistency. In our experience using freestyle facial perforator flaps, we have located areas where perforators are consistently found. This study is focused on a particular perforator lateral to the angle of the mouth; the modiolus and the versatile modiolus perforator flap. METHODS: A cohort case series of 14 modiolus perforator flap reconstructions in 14 patients and a color Doppler ultrasonography localization of the modiolus perforator in 10 volunteers. RESULTS: All 14 flaps were successfully used to reconstruct the defects involved, and the location of the perforator was at the level of the modiolus as predicted. The color Doppler ultrasonography study detected a sizeable perforator at the level of the modiolus lateral to the angle of the mouth within a radius of 1 cm. This confirms the anatomical findings of previous authors and indicates that the modiolus perforator is a consistent anatomical finding, and flaps based on it can be recommended for several indications from the reconstruction of defects in the perioral area, cheek and nose. CONCLUSIONS: The modiolus is a well-described anatomical area containing a sizeable perforator that is consistently present and readily visualized using color Doppler ultrasonography. We have used the modiolus perforator flap successfully for several indications, and it is our first choice for perioral reconstruction.

Severe scratcher-reaction: an unknown health hazard?

Tattoos are well known to cause skin problems and the number of reported adverse reactions after tattooing has increased. Illegally imported tattoo ink is unrestrained and can contain unknown ingredients and contamination thereby posing a serious health hazard. We present a case illustrating the risk of pronounced phototoxic allergic reaction and other severe complications after using home kit tattoo ink.

The freestyle pedicle perforator flap: a new favorite for the reconstruction of moderate-sized defects of the torso and extremities.

BACKGROUND: Perforating vessels are a consistent anatomical finding and well described in the current literature. Any skin flap can be raised on a subcutaneous pedicle as long as it contains at least one supplying perforator. Perforator flaps have been interlinked with microsurgery and generally not widely performed by the general plastic surgeons. The aim of this paper is to present the simplicity of pedicled perforator flap reconstruction of moderate-sized defects of the extremities and torso. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 34 patients reconstructed using 34 freestyle pedicled perforator flaps for moderate-sized defects of the truncus and extremities. We registered indications, flap size and localization, success rate, and complications. Most importantly, we describe a simple approach to the design of freestyle pedicled perforator flaps and elaborate on technical aspects in the context of current literature. RESULTS: The reconstructive goals were achieved in all cases without any total flap loss or major complications. Minor complications occurred in 7/34 (21 %) cases consisting of venous congestion leading to distal tip necrosis or epidermolysis; partial flap loss was significant in 4 cases, however never more than 10 % of the total flap size. Reconstruction was performed on the lower limb in 13 cases, upper limb in 12, and 9 cases were on the truncus. The angle of rotation was 90° in 21 cases and 180° in 13 cases. The most common indication was reconstruction of oncological skin defects; melanoma 19, BCC 6, SCC 2, other 7. The flap size varied from 1.5×3 cm to 12×22 cm. The perforator identification was done by intraoperative exploration in 17 cases and by color Doppler ultrasonography in 17 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate-sized defects of the torso and extremities can be successfully reconstructed by pedicled perforator flaps. The flap dissection is simple, and the complication rates comparable to other reconstructive options. Level of evidence IV, therapeutic study.

The evolving breast reconstruction: from latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap to a propeller thoracodorsal fasciocutaneous flap.

The aim of this editorial is to give an update on the use of the propeller thoracodorsal artery perforator flap (TAP/TDAP-flap) within the field of breast reconstruction. The TAP-flap can be dissected by a combined use of a monopolar cautery and a scalpel. Microsurgical instruments are generally not needed. The propeller TAP-flap can be designed in different ways, three of these have been published: (I) an oblique upwards design; (II) a horizontal design; (III) an oblique downward design. The latissimus dorsi-flap is a good and reliable option for breast reconstruction, but has been criticized for morbidity and complications. The TAP-flap does not seem to impair the function of the shoulder or arm and the morbidity appears to be scarce. However, an implant is often needed in combination with the TAP-flap, which results in implant related morbidity over time. The TAP-flap seems to be a promising tool for oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgery and will certainly become an invaluable addition to breast reconstructive methods.

[Fillet flap for treatment of life-threatening pressure ulcer].

A 71-year-old multi-morbid, paraplegic male with five pressure ulcers and a left-sided open trochanter fracture with chronic osteomyelitis was admitted to hospital. His condition required exarticulation of the left hip joint. A radical wound revision and a pedicled lower extremity fillet flap reconstruction of the defect was performed. The patient made uneventful recovery to normal activity within six weeks and had a stable result after one year follow-up. The case is a reminder of the importance of early intervention and preventive management of pressure ulcers and elaborates the benefits of interdisciplinary team efforts in the treatment of advanced ulcers.