Breast reconstruction facilitated by vertical banded gastroplasty.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) causes weight loss, which is often associated with redundant abdominal tissue. This redundant tissue can be used successfully for breast reconstruction or breast augmentation in case of mastectomy or ptotic hypotrophic breasts. METHOD: One patient with bilateral mastectomy is described in whom the weight fell from BMI 52 to BMI 26 after VBG, giving the patient an abdominal "apron", which facilitated bilateral breast reconstruction. RESULTS: Bilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction after weight reduction following VBG resulted in an esthetic pleasing result with additional correction of the cutis laxa abdominis. CONCLUSION: Autologous breast reconstruction can be performed safely with the methods used today, after successful weight loss following obesity surgery.