Secondary reduction mammaplasty techniques and outcomes: Cleveland Clinic experience.

BACKGROUND: Information on optimal techniques and outcomes following secondary reduction mammaplasty remains sparse, with only 280 patient cases reported in the literature to date. METHODS: A total of 7179 medical charts of patients who underwent nononcological breast reduction at the Cleveland Clinic Health System from January 2001 to October 2023 were screened to identify whether the procedure was a secondary reduction. Patient charts were then reviewed to extract demographic, surgical, and outcome data. Patients were also contacted through the electronic medical record to fill out the BREAST-Q V2 questionnaire about postoperative satisfaction. Surgical techniques and satisfaction were compared for patients with complications versus those without. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-two (1.7%) patients underwent secondary breast reduction. An inferior pedicle was the most used for both primary (n = 59, 48.4%) and secondary (n = 64, 52.5%) surgeries. The primary pedicle was recreated in 62 of the 84 (73.8%) rereductions where a primary pedicle was known. A total of 15 patients (12.3%) completed the BREAST-Q questionnaire. Body mass index was significantly and negatively associated with satisfaction with outcome (R=-0.66, p = 0.01), sexual well-being (R=-0.58, p = 0.04), and physical well-being (R=-0.69, p = 0.006). No patients experienced nipple-areola complex (NAC) necrosis following secondary reduction. However, 21 (17.2%) of patients experienced complications or breast fat necrosis following rereduction. Unmatched secondary pedicles showed a trend toward higher complication rates than matched secondary pedicles (31.3% vs. 12.9%, p = 0.051). CONCLUSION: When known, the primary pedicle can be safely used for secondary reduction mammaplasty with minimal risk of NAC necrosis or complication.

Accessibility of Neurotization in Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Reconstruction: Inequities and Implications for Preauthorization.

BACKGROUND: Breast anesthesia and hypoesthesia occur commonly after mastectomy and negatively impact quality of life. Neurotization during deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) breast reconstruction offers enhanced sensory recovery. However, access to neurotization for DIEP reconstruction patients has not been evaluated. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent DIEP breast reconstruction between January 2021 and July 2022 at a tertiary-care, academic institution. Demographics, outcomes, insurance type, and Area Deprivation Index (ADI) were compared using two-sample t-test or chi-square analysis. RESULTS: Of the 124 patients who met criteria, 41% had neurotization of their DIEP flaps. There was no difference in history of tobacco use (29% vs 33%), diabetes (14% vs 9.6%), operative time (9.43 vs 9.73 h), length of hospital stay (3 d vs 3 d), hospital readmission (9.8% vs 6.8%), or reoperation (12% vs 12%) between patients with and without neurotization. However, access to neurotization differed significantly by patient health insurance type. Patients who received neurotization had a lower median ADI percentile of 40.0, indicating higher socioeconomic advantage compared with patients who did not receive neurotization at 59.0 (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Access to neurotization differed significantly by patient health insurance and by ADI percentile. Expanding insurance coverage to cover neurotization is needed to increase equitable access and enhance quality of life for patients who come from disadvantaged communities. Our institution's process for preauthorization is outlined to enhance likelihood of insurance approval for neurotization.

Nipple necrosis rate with submuscular versus prepectoral implant-based reconstruction in nipple sparing mastectomy: Does it differ?

BACKGROUND: This study aims to compare the rate of nipple necrosis between the submuscular (SM) versus the prepectoral (PP) implant placement after immediate breast reconstruction (IBR). METHODS: An institutional review board-approved database was reviewed of patients who underwent nipple sparing mastectomy (NSM) with IBR at our institution between 2016 and 2019. Patients who had SM versus PP IBR were compared. Incidence of nipple necrosis was evaluated between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 525 NSM with IBR were performed in 320 patients with SM reconstruction in 61% (n â€‹= â€‹322) and PP in 39% (n â€‹= â€‹203) of the mastectomies. Overall, 43 nipples experienced some form of necrosis with 1% of mastectomies experiencing nipple loss. There was no difference between SM group and PP group at the rate of nipple necrosis (9 â€‹% vs 7 %, P â€‹= â€‹0.71). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing NSM with IBR, the rate of nipple necrosis, nipple loss or complications did not differ between groups whether the implant was placed SM or PP, supporting the safety of this newer procedure.

Distinguishing Authentic Voices in the Age of ChatGPT: Comparing AI-Generated and Applicant-Written Personal Statements for Plastic Surgery Residency Application.

BACKGROUND: ChatGPT, a generative artificial intelligence model, may be used by future applicants in the plastic surgery residency match. METHODS: Ten personal statements (5 generated by ChatGPT, 5 written by applicants) were rated by 10 reviewers, blinded to the source of the essay. RESULTS: A total of a 100 evaluations were collected. There was no significant difference in ratings for readability, originality, authenticity, and overall quality (all P > 0.05) when comparing computer-generated and applicant essays. CONCLUSION: Personal statements prepared by ChatGPT are indistinguishable from essays written by actual applicants. This finding suggests that the current plastic surgery application format be reevaluated to better aid in holistic evaluation of students.

Predictors of Complications in Autologous Breast Reconstruction Using DIEP Flaps: Implications for Management.

BACKGROUND: Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps are the standard for autologous breast reconstruction. This study investigated risk factors for DIEP complications in a large, contemporary cohort to optimize surgical evaluation and planning. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent DIEP breast reconstruction between 2016 and 2020 at an academic institution. Demographics, treatment, and outcomes were evaluated in univariable and multivariable regression models for postoperative complications. RESULTS: In total, 802 DIEP flaps were performed in 524 patients (mean age, 51.2 ± 9.6 years; mean body mass index, 29.3 ± 4.5). Most patients (87%) had breast cancer; 15% were BRCA -positive. There were 282 (53%) delayed and 242 (46%) immediate reconstructions and 278 (53%) bilateral and 246 (47%) unilateral reconstructions. Overall complications occurred in 81 patients (15.5%), including venous congestion (3.4%), breast hematoma (3.6%), infection (3.6%), partial flap loss (3.2%), total flap loss (2.3%), and arterial thrombosis (1.3%). Longer operative time was significantly associated with bilateral immediate reconstructions and higher body mass index. Prolonged operative time (OR, 1.16; P = 0.001) and immediate reconstruction (OR, 1.92; P = 0.013) were significant predictors of overall complications. Partial flap loss was associated with bilateral immediate reconstructions, higher body mass index, current smoking status, and longer operative time. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged operative time is a significant risk factor for overall complications and partial flap loss in DIEP breast reconstruction. For each additional hour of surgical time, the risk of developing overall complications increases by 16%. These findings suggest that reducing operative time through co-surgeon approaches, consistency in surgical teams, and counseling patients with more risk factors toward delayed reconstructions may mitigate complications. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism Based on Caprini Score in Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps are commonly used for autologous breast reconstruction, but reported rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE) are up to 6.8%. This study aimed to determine the incidence of VTE based on preoperative Caprini score following DIEP breast reconstruction. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent DIEP flaps for breast reconstruction between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020 at a tertiary-level, academic institution. Demographics, operative characteristics, and VTE events were recorded. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine the area under the curve (AUC) of the Caprini score for VTE. Univariate and multivariate analyses assessed risk factors associated with VTE. RESULTS: This study included 524 patients (mean age 51.2 ± 9.6 years). There were 123 (23.5%) patients with the Caprini score of 0 to 4, 366 (69.8%) with scores 5 to 6, 27 (5.2%) with scores 7 to 8, and 8 (1.5%) patients with scores >8. Postoperative VTE occurred in 11 (2.1%) patients, at a median time of 9 days (range 1-30) after surgery. VTE incidence by the Caprini score was 1.9% for scores 3 to 4, 0.8% for scores 5 to 6, 3.3% for scores 7 to 8, and 13% for scores >8. The Caprini score achieved an AUC of 0.70. A Caprini score >8 was significantly predictive of VTE on multivariable analysis relative to scores 5 to 6 (odds ratio = 43.41, 95% confidence interval = 7.46-252.76, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing DIEP breast reconstruction, VTE incidence was highest (13%) in Caprini scores greater than eight despite chemoprophylaxis. Future studies are needed to assess the role of extended chemoprophylaxis in patients with high Caprini scores.

Simultaneous contralateral prophylactic mastectomy compared to unilateral nipple-sparing mastectomy for breast cancer surgical treatment: Are complications higher?

BACKGROUND: This study compared post-operative reconstructive complications and oncologic treatment between patients who underwent unilateral versus bilateral nipple sparing mastectomy (NSM) with implant based reconstruction (IBR). METHODS: Patients diagnosed with unilateral breast cancer who underwent NSM with IBR between 2010 and 2019 were reviewed. Patient demographics, surgical details, adjuvant therapy and postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 434 NSM with IBR were performed in 269 patients, 24% unilateral, and 76% bilateral. The bilateral group received a direct implant significantly more frequently and were younger compared to unilateral (p < 0.001). The unilateral group received post-mastectomy radiation therapy at significantly higher rate (p < 0.001) with no difference in receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy. Overall, 11% of mastectomies developed a 30-day complication requiring reoperation and that extended to 13% at 120 days. There was no difference regarding the incidence of complications requiring reoperation (p = 0.84) or complications type between the two groups (p = 0.29). CONCLUSION: These findings support the oncologic and reconstructive equivalence to support patient choice in CPM.

Oncologic safety of axillary lymph node dissection with immediate lymphatic reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) at the time of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) can reduce the incidence of lymphedema in patients with breast cancer. The oncologic safety of ILR is unknown and has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if ILR is associated with increased breast cancer recurrence rates. METHODS: Patients with breast cancer who underwent ALND with ILR from September 2016 to December 2020 were identified from a prospective institutional database. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and operative details were recorded. Follow-up included the development of local recurrence as well as distant metastasis. Oncologic outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 137 patients underwent ALND with ILR. At cancer presentation, 122 patients (89%) had clinically node positive primary breast cancer, 10 patients (7.3%) had recurrent breast cancer involving the axillary lymph nodes, 3 patients (2.2%) had recurrent breast cancer involving both the breast and axillary nodes, and 2 patients (1.5%) presented with axillary disease/occult breast cancer. For surgical management, 103 patients (75.2%) underwent a mastectomy, 22 patients (16%) underwent lumpectomy and 12 patients (8.8%) had axillary surgery only. The ALND procedure, yielded a median of 15 lymph nodes pathologically identified (range 3-41). At a median follow-up of 32.9 months (range 6-63 months), 17 patients (12.4%) developed a local (n = 1) or distant recurrence (n = 16), however, no axillary recurrences were identified. CONCLUSION: Immediate lymphatic reconstruction in patients with breast cancer undergoing ALND is not associated with short term axillary recurrence and appears oncologically safe.

Youngest Composite Full-Face Transplant: A Model for Vascularized Composite Allograft in Younger Populations.

BACKGROUND: The field of face transplantation continues to evolve, with more complex defects being addressed, and, at the same time, increased outcome expectations. Given our unique long-term experience in this field, we consented one of the youngest patients to undergo a full-face transplant. METHODS: An 18-year-old woman presented with complete destruction of her central face and craniofacial structures. She had coexisting major injuries, including pituitary gland, visual axis, and motor control. After extensive rehabilitation and reconstruction techniques, the patient underwent face transplant on May 4, 2017, at the age of 21 years. RESULTS: The total operative time for the recipient was 26 hours. There were no major perioperative complications. Since transplant, the patient has undergone 3 revision surgeries. She is near completely independent from a daily life activity standpoint. She has had 1 episode of rejection above grade II that was successfully treated with a short-term increased in immunosuppression. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to data in solid organ transplantation where youth is associated with increased risk of rejection, our current algorithm in immunosuppression, combined with this patient's compliance, has led to only 1 rejection episode beyond grade II. This successful transplant can serve as a model for future vascularized composite transplants in younger populations.

A retrospective review of submuscular implant-based breast reconstruction: The influence of dermal matrix (ADM) on complications and aesthetic outcomes.

PURPOSE: The use of acellular dermal matrix changed the breast reconstruction algorithm facilitating implant coverage and direct to implant technique. This study aims to evaluate the effect of the ADM surgical complications, breast aesthetics, and patient satisfaction. METHODS: In a tertiary hospital, patients that underwent implant-based breast reconstructions during a three-year period had their charts retrospectively reviewed, received post-operative BreastQ, and had their post-operative photos evaluated by a three-member panel using a multi-parameter breast specific scale (scored 1-5). The complication information was analysed per reconstructed breast while the analysis of aesthetic and patient-reported outcomes was done per patient. RESULTS: A total of 501 patients (990 breasts) were evaluated. In the complication analysis group, 20.3% of the breasts had ADM. Overall complications and major complications were more frequent in the ADM group. During the first 30 postoperative days the most frequent complications were: skin necrosis/delayed wound healing and haematoma, after 30 days was infection, and complications after 1 year being less than 1%. On the outcome analysis group, ADM was used in 21.5% patients, 44% had post-operative photos, and 29% answered the BreastQ. Factors associated with higher appearance score were bilateral reconstruction, prophylactic surgery, and nipple presence. ADM demonstrated no difference in satisfaction with breasts. CONCLUSION: In implant-based breast reconstructions ADM has been shown to increase rate of complications. The use of acellular dermal matrix did not influence the overall appearance or the patient-reported outcome. A good aesthetic outcome is positively influenced by bilateral reconstructions with preservation of the nipple.

Breast Implant-Related Outcomes After Cardiothoracic Surgeries and Electrophysiologic Procedures.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes related to preexisting breast implants after cardiothoracic procedures are poorly characterized. This study evaluated complications after minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS), median sternotomy (MS), and electrophysiologic procedures (EP) in patients with preexisting breast implants. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with prior breast implants who underwent MICS, MS, or EP from 1994 to 2019 was performed. Demographic, treatment, and outcome characteristics were recorded. χ 2 Test and analysis of variance were used to perform statistical comparisons. RESULTS: In total, 78 patients (37 MICS, 21 MS, and 20 EP) were identified. Mean breast implant age was 13.3, 11.7, and 10.2 years, respectively ( P = 0.235). Intraoperative plastic surgeon involvement was present in 26 (70.3%) MICS cases, compared with 2 (9.5%) MS and 0% EP ( P < 0.001). Intraoperative rupture occurred in 5 (13.5%) MICS cases and no MS or EP cases ( P < 0.001). Postoperative implant complications occurred in 6 (16.2%) MICS, 8 (38.1%) MS, and 5 (25.0%) EP ( P = 0.350) cases, with median time to complication of 5.9, 5.4, and 38.9 months, respectively ( P = 0.596). Revision surgery was performed in 5 (13.5%) MICS, 7 (33.3%) MS, and 5 (25.0%) EP ( P = 0.246) cases. On multivariate analysis, lack of intraoperative plastic surgeon involvement ( P = 0.034) and breast implant age ( P = 0.001) were significant predictors of postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term complication rates are highest among patients with breast implants undergoing MS. Plastic surgeon involvement was significantly associated with fewer postoperative complications. Our results support a multidisciplinary approach to managing breast implants during cardiothoracic procedures.

Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder: Factors Influencing Disparity in Perceptions of Breast Reconstruction Aesthetic Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcomes are the primary measurement of breast reconstruction success, but results may be affected by nontechnical factors such as socioemotional determinants. Third-party observers provide an independent assessment of aesthetic outcomes. Factors associated with disparity between patient and observer perceptions of outcomes are not well understood. METHODS: One hundred forty-seven patients underwent breast reconstruction at the authors' institution between 2009 and 2011, completed the BREAST-Q, and had photographs graded by a diverse panel using the Validated Breast Aesthetic Scale. Patient satisfaction with breasts scores that aligned with observer scores were categorized as group 2; patient satisfaction that exceeded observer scores were group 1; and those lower than observer scores were group 3. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with values of p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (19 percent) were categorized as group 1, 93 (63 percent) in group 2, and 26 (18 percent) in group 3. Median overall appearance was highest in group 3 (median, 4.0; interquartile range, 4 to 4) and lowest in group 1 (median, 3.0; interquartile range, 2 to 3) ( p < 0.001). Psychosocial, sexual, and physical well-being were significantly associated with disparity (group 1 or 3 status) ( p < 0.01). Satisfaction with outcomes, nipples, abdomen, and breasts were significantly associated with disparity. Factors not significantly associated with disparity include age, body mass index, autologous or implant-based, adjuvant therapies, and timing of reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Incongruously high patient satisfaction with breast reconstruction aesthetics relative to third-party perception of aesthetic outcomes is associated with high quality-of-life scores. Incongruously low patient satisfaction with breast cosmesis compared with higher third-party perceptions was associated with low quality-of-life scores. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, II.

A Novel Validated Breast Aesthetic Scale.

BACKGROUND: Breast aesthetics impacts patients' quality of life after breast reconstruction, but patients and surgeons frequently disagree on the final aesthetic evaluation. The need for a comprehensive, validated tool to evaluate breast aesthetics independently from the patient motivated this study. METHODS: The 13-item Validated Breast Aesthetic Scale was developed after several internal meetings, and worded to be understood by a nonspecialist. Three items are common for both breasts, with the remaining being side-specific. To test the internal consistency of the scale subitems, postoperative photographs after different breast reconstruction techniques were graded by a six-member panel. To test interrater and intrarater correlation across time, four physicians evaluated the results of abdominally based breast reconstructions following nipple-sparing mastectomies. RESULTS: Graded aesthetic outcomes of 53 patients showed that the Cronbach alpha of the subitems of the scale was 0.926, with no single item that, if excluded, would increase it. Twenty-two patients underwent aesthetic outcomes grading at four different time points. The mean overall appearance was 3.71 ± 0.62. The mean grade for overall nipple appearance was 4.0 ± 0.57. The coefficient alpha of the panel overall aesthetic grade across different time points was 0.957; whereas intragrader reliability for graders 1 through 4 individually showed alpha coefficients of 0.894, 0.9, 0.898, and 0.688, respectively. Similar results were found for the other items of the scale. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed aesthetic scale evaluates different aspects of the breast reconstruction aesthetic result with excellent internal consistency among its subitems. Grading by a gender-balanced, diverse four-member panel using postoperative photographs showed higher reliability and reproducibility compared to single graders.

Skeletal and Dental Outcomes after Facial Allotransplantation: The Cleveland Clinic Experience and Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Most of the literature surrounding face transplantation focuses on technique, immunology, and psychology. Dental and skeletal outcomes remain persistently underreported. This study critically examined the worldwide face transplant experience to evaluate such outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review of all composite allografts containing midface and/or mandible was performed. Dental and skeletal complications were recorded. Formal imaging and photographs available in the literature were analyzed using skeletal measurements, soft-tissue cephalometrics, and the Angle classification. Outcomes of our face transplant patients, including condylar assessment and airway volume measurements, is also presented. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients received allografts containing midface (n = 7) or mandible (n = 2), whereas 16 contained a double-jaw. All midface-only transplants developed skeletal deformity; 57 percent developed a palatal fistula. Both partial and full arch transplantation patients developed skeletal deformity. Among double-jaw transplants, 69 percent developed palatal fistula or floor-of-mouth dehiscence, 66 percent developed malocclusion, 50 percent developed trismus, and 31 percent required corrective orthognathic surgery. In 40 percent of patients, malocclusion recurred after corrective orthognathic surgery. Forty percent of all patients developed dental cavities or periodontal disease. All of our patients received midface and/or mandible. One patient required corrective orthognathic surgery. Midfacial segments showed clockwise rotation. Airway volumes decreased over time. CONCLUSIONS: Skeletal and dental complications remain extremely common after facial allotransplantation involving either single- or double-jaw composites. Corrective orthognathic surgery and dental extraction is often necessitated. These data will aid face transplant teams during surgical planning and preoperative counseling. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.

Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: Are We Providing Proper Prophylactic Antibiotic Coverage?

BACKGROUND: Infection after nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and implant-based reconstruction (IBR) can be a devastating complication. The retained nipple may act as a portal or nidus for different ductal organisms, and as such, the bacteriology of surgical-site infections (SSIs) in this setting may not be adequately covered by current antibiotic recommendations. This study sought to evaluate SSI and reconstruction outcomes in relation to antibiotic choice and identify the different microbial species implicated. METHODS: A prospective database was reviewed for patients who underwent NSM with IBR from 2010 to 2019. Patient characteristics, operative details, antibiotic regimens, and subsequent treatment details were evaluated. The study analyzed SSI incidence, timing, and type of causative organisms. RESULTS: The study analyzed 571 NSMs with IBR performed for 347 patients (55% with direct implants and 45% with tissue expanders). The preoperative antibiotics consisted of cephalosporin alone for 65% of the patients, a more broad single-antibiotic use for 12% of the patients, and dual-coverage antibiotics for 20% of the patients. During a median follow-up of 1.7 years, SSI developed in 12% of the reconstructions, with 6% requiring prosthesis removal. The most common SSI organism cultured was Staphylococcal species. Neither pre- nor postoperative antibiotic choice was associated with incidence of infection, type of bacteria, or need for prosthetic explanation. CONCLUSION: For patients undergoing NSM with IBR, a more aggressive antibiotic choice is not associated with an improved SSI rate. Patient and treatment factors continue to carry the highest risk for SSI.

A controlled cost and outcomes analysis of acellular dermal matrix and implant-based reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: The use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) for breast reconstruction continues to change in both single- and two-stage reconstruction. Determining optimal outcomes clinically, aesthetically, financially as well as for the patient's quality of life has become a priority. METHODS: A retrospective review of implant-based reconstructions was performed at a single center from 2010 to 2016, with patients blindly matched 1:1:1 into three cohorts based on reconstruction type: 1) single stage direct to implant with ADM, 2) two-stage tissue expander to implant (TE/I) without ADM, and 3) two-stage TE/I with ADM. Relative cost between groups, esthetic outcomes, and quality of life within each group was analyzed. RESULTS: Group 1 was more likely to be older and use intraoperative angiography, but with fewer overall surgeries and postoperative visits (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in reconstructive success among all three groups (p = 0.85). Cost was significantly higher for group 3 relative to groups 1 and 2. Overall appearance was higher in groups 1 and 3 relative to group 2, with radiation therapy the only independent factor. Group 1 had higher scores using Breast-Q for the physical well-being domain (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to incorporate clinical outcomes, esthetic visual grading, and patient-reported quality within the same cohort of individuals, considering both use of ADM and staging. Despite the added ADM cost, it is proven safe, eliminates time and cost associated with tissue expanders, decreases post-operative visits and can lead to equally as functional and aesthetically pleasing outcomes in single- and two-stage breast reconstructions.

Lymphedema Prevention Surgery: Improved Operating Efficiency Over Time.

BACKGROUND: Lymphedema prevention surgery (LPS), which identifies, preserves, and restores lymphatic flow via lymphaticovenous bypasses (LVB), has demonstrated potential to decrease lymphedema in breast cancer patients requiring axillary lymph node dissection. Implementing this new operating technique requires additional operating room (OR) time and coordination. This study sought to evaluate the improvement of LPS technique and OR duration over time. METHODS: A prospective database of patients who underwent LPS at our institution from 2016 to 2019 was queried. Type of breast and reconstruction surgery, number of LVB performed, and OR times were collected. LPS details were compared by surgical group and year performed. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients underwent LPS, and 88 had complete OR time data available for analysis. Average age was 51 years, body mass index of 28, with an average of 15 lymph nodes removed. Reconstructive treatment groups included prosthetic reconstruction 56% (49), oncoplastic reduction 10% (9), and no reconstruction 34% (30). The number of patients undergoing LPS increased significantly from 2016 to 2019, and average number of LVB per patient doubled. In patients without reconstruction, the average time for LPS improved significantly from 212 to 87 min from 2016 to 2019 (p = 0.015) and similarly in patients undergoing LPS with prosthetic reconstruction from 238 to 160 min (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: LVB is an emerging surgical lymphedema prevention technique. While requiring additional surgical time, our results show that with refinement of technique, over 4 years, we were able to perform double the number of LVB per patient in half the OR time.