Use of deepithelialized flap in mammoplasties: simple method with excellent results.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A deepithelialized flap is used in almost all surgical fields, particularly in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery. This article describes several operating techniques using deepithelialized flaps that in specific cases can improve silicone breast implant coverage. METHODS: All the patients underwent surgery in our department. The operations described are subcutaneous mastectomies with immediate reconstruction using silicone implants, mastopexy with immediate augmentation using silicone implants in a patient with very thin skin, and reaugmentation with mastopexy and reimplantation of silicone implants in a patient with very thin skin and extremely thin pectoral muscles. In all the described operations, we used a superolaterally based deepithelialized flap from the lower part of the breast that we fixed to the thoracic wall to cover the inferior part of the implant. RESULTS: The authors have extensive experience using this flap in such specific cases. To date, they have performed more than 30 operations using this technique. Each patient was followed for 2-7 years, and the findings show excellent postoperative results. None of the patients had implant extrusions, flap extrusions, or infections. The long-term cosmetic results were outstanding. CONCLUSION: The use of deepithelialized flaps in patients with very thin skin or pectoral muscles is a safe and easy way to improve implant coverage and prevent implant extrusion. This technique provides an alternative surgical option that can be beneficial in certain mammary cases.