Correction of the Tuberous Breast with Fat Grafting and Implant: Techniques, Evaluation with BREAST-Q, and Preliminary Results.

BACKGROUND: The correction of tuberous breast deformity with fat grafting has gained popularity in recent years, but it remains unclear whether this new technique can produce patient satisfaction levels comparable to those achieved with implant-based correction. METHODS: This study aimed to compare patients' satisfaction and quality of life using the BREAST-Q questionnaire after correction of tuberous breast deformity with fat grafting and implants. Twenty-four patients (36 breasts) were included in our study. Thirteen patients (15 breasts) had a correction with lipofilling (mean 2.67 interventions) and 11 patients (21 breasts) had an implant-based correction (mean 1 intervention). RESULTS: Both fat and implant treatments showed statistically significant improvements in breast satisfaction (p value=0.001, 0.002, respectively), psychosocial (p value=0.003, 0.003, respectively), and sexual satisfaction (p value=0.008, 0.002, respectively) between the pre-treatment and post-treatment stages. However, the only statistically significant differences between the treatments were observed in the physical condition pre-treatment (p value=0.008) and sexual condition post-treatment (p value=0.030). The outcome of both treatments was not statistically different. Furthermore, the outcome exhibited a statistically significant positive linear relationship with breast satisfaction for both treatments. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that lipofilling can achieve breast and outcome satisfaction comparable to that of implants, although this parity in results comes at the cost of more interventions. These preliminary results lend support to the notion that, as surgeons have access to two equally effective techniques, it is crucial to provide appropriate guidance to patients to ensure their satisfaction. 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 .

Double-bubble deformity in breast augmentation: correction with percutaneous barbed sutures.

The double-bubble deformity is a complication after breast augmentation that often requires additional treatment such as elevation and restoration of the inframammary fold (IMF), parenchymal scoring or fat grafting. We describe a percutaneous technique that combines dual plane pocket dissection, parenchymal scoring and placement of a percutaneous barbed suture to create a new IMF. This technique takes approximately 10 minutes per breast to complete, and the resulting breast has an immediately noticeable double-bubble free surface. This technique can both prevent and treat a double-bubble deformity after dual plane breast augmentation. 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 .

Treating Pain and Fat Necrosis after Breast Cancer Surgery with Fat Grafting: Is one Session Enough?

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain after breast cancer surgery is affecting up to 60% of patients, causing significant morbidity to patients. Lately, fat grafting has been applied as a therapy for chronic neuropathic pain. METHODS: We report a series of eighteen patients, who were treated for pain after breast cancer surgery. Twelve patients had a breast conserving therapy, two a mastectomy and four an autologous flap-based reconstruction. While most presented with neuropathic pain, six patients had fat necrosis in their history. Most patients presented with severe pain (77%) and were treated with fat grafting sessions, performed by water-assisted liposuction. RESULTS: All patients responded to the interventions; the median number of fat grafting sessions was 2, the median duration of the interventions was 4 months, and the median follow-up period was 56.5 months. The median pain prior to the fat grafting procedure had an intensity of 8 (range 7-9) numeric rating scale points; after the first intervention, this was reduced to 4 (range 2.3-5.8); and after the second intervention, it was down to 2 (range 0.8-3.3). Patients with pain intensities of 4-5 had a good chance of achieving analgesia after one session. CONCLUSIONS: Fat grafting could be a new treatment modality for symptomatic fat necrosis: complete or partial suction of the necrosis and/or fat grafting around the necrosis to reduce inflammation and pain. Fat grafting proved a valuable tool, reducing pain or even achieving analgesia after breast cancer surgery presenting with a highly favorable risk-benefit ratio. 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.

Treating Anisomastia and Tuberous Breast with Fat Grafting: Technique and Evaluation of Outcomes Using BREAST-Q Surveys.

BACKGROUND: In the surgical correction of tuberous breast deformity, implants and regional flaps play a prominent role. Lately, fat grafting has been used as an alternative, but there is evidence that patient satisfaction is higher after correction with implants compared with lipofilling. METHODS: We report a tuberous breasts correction series of ten cases, enrolled between 2015 and 2018. Percutaneous fasciotomies and fat grafting were performed by the Body-Jet technique. Analysis of outcomes was undertaken with BREAST-Q surveys. RESULTS: The breast satisfaction scores increased from 0 to 75 (p < 0.01), the psychological well-being scores from 20 to 70 (p < 0.01) and the sexual well-being scores from 18.5 to 58 (p = 0.02), while the physical well-being scores remained stable (from 68 to 63, p = 0.2). The median outcome satisfaction score was 86. CONCLUSION: Scores of patient-reported outcomes after lipofilling can reach and even exceed those of patients corrected with implants, at the cost of more interventions. Fat grafting is beginning to establish itself as a true alternative in the treatment of tuberous breast deformity in patients with the appropriate fat deposits. 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 Table of Contents or online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Fat Grafting and Auto-Augmentation Mastopexy After Breast Implant Removal: Technique and Evaluation of Outcomes Using BREAST-Q.

BACKGROUND: Auto-augmentation mastopexy after implant removal has been described as a possible alternative for women who do not opt for implant replacement and decline major reconstructive surgery. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate patient satisfaction after auto-augmentation mastopexy relative to the final breast volume and to assess the role of fat grafting on patients' satisfaction and quality of life according to the BREAST-Q questionnaire. METHODS: Forty-seven breasts from 28 patients who underwent implant removal and auto-augmentation mastopexy were reviewed; 9 patients (group 1) were primarily treated with several fat grafting sessions with subsequent auto-augmentation, 5 (group 2) were treated primarily with auto-augmentation, but subsequently expressed a wish for breast augmentation by lipofilling, and 14 patients (group 3, control) had only auto-augmentation. RESULTS: Group 1 patients maintained their breast volume, and showed significant improvements in breast satisfaction, psychosocial well-being, and contentment with breast surgery outcomes (P = 0.01, ˂0.01, and ˂0.01, respectively). However, the physical well-being of this group, as well as response to final cup size or interaction parameters, did not improve (P = 0.06). In group 2, all except 1 patient had breast volume reduction to A cup, as was the case with one-third of the patients in control group 3 (group 3A, n = 5) who scored lower, and thus were less satisfied with the breast auto-augmentation than group 3B, who achieved final bigger cup sizes (P ˂ 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Auto-augmentation mastopexy resulted in substantial improvements in the parameters measured by BREAST-Q. Thus, combined auto-augmentation mastopexy and lipofilling provided a better alternative treatment after breast implant removal.

Earlobe Reduction with Minimally Visible Scars: The Sub-Antitragal Groove Technique.

BACKGROUND: Ptosis of the earlobe is a common consequence of ageing, defined as an unappealingly large free caudal segment of over 5 mm. It is therefore important to consider reduction as a complement to rhytidectomy in selected patients. Moreover, facelifting operations can result in disproportionate or poorly positioned earlobes. Current earlobe-reducing techniques can leave a scar on the free lateral edge causing notching or involve complex pattern excisions with limited resection capability and the risk of deformities. The presented technique, on the other hand, is versatile and easy to use, as it follows general geometric principles. METHODS: Excision of the designed area results in an earlobe flap which can be rotated in the excision defect. This results in ideal scar locations, situated at the sub-antitragal groove and at the cheek junction. The technique is adjustable, to incorporate potential piercing holes. RESULTS: This technique takes approximately 15 minutes per earlobe to complete. The resulting earlobes have undisturbed free borders. No vascularization-related flap problems were noted. CONCLUSIONS: This technique is a viable method for reducing the earlobe with minimally visible scars. 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 .

Novel Technique for Sampling of Breast Implant-associated Seroma in Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma.

We describe a novel technique for the sampling of breast implant-associated seroma. Using a blunt-tip lipofilling cannula, we have the freedom of movement to sample all fluid collections and prevent the misfortunes of damaging the implant. Also, we have demonstrated the inability of the Coleman style I lipofilling cannula to perforate a silicone breast implant. This practical and reliable technique will prove to be useful in managing the breast implant-associated seroma, especially with the rising incidence of the anaplastic large cell lymphoma, where the sampling of seroma is mandatory.

Reconstruction of the median anterior skull base with an intracranial free radial forearm flap after recurrent resection of tumour.

We report a case of a median anterior skull base defect that was reconstructed with a free radial forearm flap. The flap was used intracranially, whereas the vascular anastomosis was made extracranially, with the pedicle running through a burr hole in the skull. This technique was succesful in sealing the skull base from the nasal cavity and preventing leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, infection, or herniation of brain tissue. We report the reconstructive procedure, an overview of other options, and the reasons for the decisions in this case.

Interpleural analgesia in breast reconstruction.

To investigate the safety and efficacy of interpleural analgesia for postoperative pain control in patients having breast reconstruction we did a retrospective audit of 114 women who had had their breasts reconstructed by the same team. A group of 22 women given morphine postoperatively acted as a historical control. Ninety-two women were given continuous postoperative interpleural bupivacaine with free access to morphine. We recorded complications, morphine consumption, postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting scores, and duration of hospital stay. There was one episode of air entrapment. Morphine consumption was significantly reduced in the interpleural group (p<0.000). Pain scores were similar in all groups (p=0.11). Nausea and vomiting scores were significantly lower in the interpleural group (p=0.04) and hospital stay was shorter in the interpleural group but not significantly so (p<0.9). We conclude that interpleural analgesia improves the quality of postoperative care in breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flaps.