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Include donor-site aesthetics as a part of breast reconstruction outcome

Researchers presented a new standard for autologous tissue breast reconstruction donor-site aesthetics, which they hope will bring a shift in how surgeons approach the surgery, by including the trunk aesthetic unit as an integral part of the overall result.

Fifty-one women underwent autologous tissue breast reconstruction using deep epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps.

During the second stage of their reconstruction, patients underwent abdominal donor-site revision.

Seventeen patients had a BMI greater than 30, three had diabetes mellitus, two were smokers and 11 had donor-site wound complications after the initial reconstruction.

The abdominal revision included excision and lowering of the abdominal scar, as well as liposuction of the pubis and mons pubis for contouring purposes.

Donor-site scars were lowered by an average of 5.93 cm and the average procedural time was 27 minutes.

The researchers evaluated this procedure because they have experienced, “significant patient dissatisfaction with the location and appearance of the standard transverse abdominal scar after the initial stage of the DIEP flap reconstruction, irrespective of how pleased they are with the appearance of their breasts,” they wrote.

They explained that there are incredibly few meaningful attempt to address this issue in print.

Swift healing and the absence of wound complications are likely the result of a combination of improved blood supply to the superior flap and the decreased wound tension at secondary closure, the researchers concluded. – by Abigail Sutton

Disclosure: The researchers reported no relevant financial disclosures.