Six recent developments in breast surgery

Recent developments reported on Healio.com/Aesthetics have included study results showing a vertical breast reduction with a medial pedicle can be combined with breast implants for patients desiring more upper-pole fullness.

Other developments included a study identifying nummular eczema as a potential complication of breast reconstruction, and a study showing shotgun injuries to the chest were lessened by a woman’s silicone implant:

Vertical breast reduction with medial pedicle with breast implants increases upper-pole fullness

For patients that desire more upper-pole fullness, a vertical breast reduction with a medial pedicle can be combined with breast implants, according to a study results published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open.

With Perspective from Adam J. Oppenheimer, MD. Read more

Adam J. Oppenheimer

Nummular eczema a potential complication of breast reconstruction

Breast surgeons and plastic surgeons should recognize nummular eczema as a potential complication of breast reconstruction and guide patients on constant skin care with regular cleansing and moisturizers to prevent the condition.

Researchers reviewed 1,662 Japanese patients who underwent breast reconstruction between 2008 and 2013 at a single center in Tokyo. Read more

Shotgun injuries to the chest lessened by silicone implant

In a patient who sustained two shotgun wounds to the right chest, researchers believe that her silicone gel implants prevented the thoracic cavity from being penetrated by the ballistic fragments and causing additional injury to the thoracic structures.

The 59-year old woman was shot twice in the right chest with a shotgun through a door. Read more

Plastic surgeons should use data from ACS National Surgical Quality Improvement Program cautiously

Researchers warn specialty surgeons, especially plastic surgeons completing breast reconstruction, to consider the data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program cautiously, as extrapolation in areas of specialty medicine has limitations.

Particularly concerning is the 30-day window for the program’s documentation of complications, which the researchers found was too short a period to report complications for other operative procedures, like postmastectomy breast reconstruction. Read more

Sientra launches Style 107 round implant

Sientra Inc. has launched its newest implant, the Style 107, which incorporates high-strength cohesive+ silicone gel into a fifth generation round implant, according to a company release.

Sientra is the first and only company in the U.S. to integrate HSC+ gel into a round breast implant, which is designed to minimize wrinkling and rippling. Read more

Free gracilis flap an option in breast reconstruction when abdominal site unavailable

Researchers preferred the vertical pattern with a free gracilis flap for patients undergoing breast reconstruction.

The vertical pattern avoids some problems associated with transverse patterns, such as scar migration and contraction, and labial spreading, according to researchers. Read more