Semicircular Horizontal Approach in Breast Reduction: Clinical Experience in 38 Cases

BACKGROUND: Various techniques are used for performing breast reduction. Wise-pattern and vertical scar techniques are the most commonly employed approaches. However, a vertical scar in the mid-lower breast is prominent and aesthetically less pleasant. In contrast, a semicircular horizontal approach does not leave a vertical scar in the mid breast and transverse scars can be hidden in the inframammary fold. In this paper, we describe the experiences and results of semicircular horizontal breast reductions performed by a single surgeon. METHODS: Between September 1996 and October 2013, our senior author used this technique in 38 cases in the US and at our institution. We used a superiorly based semicircular incision, where the upper skin paddle was pulled down to the inframammary fold with the nipple-areola complex pulled through the keyhole. RESULTS: The average total reduction per breast was 584 g, ranging from 286 to 794 g. The inferior longitudinal pedicle was used in all the cases. The average reduction of the distance from the sternal notch to the nipple was 13 cm (range, 11-15 cm). The mean decrease in the bra cup size was 1.7 cup sizes (range, a decrease of 1 to 3). We obtained very satisfactory results with a less noticeable scar, no complication such as necrosis of the nipple or the skin flap, wound infection, aseptic necrosis of the breast tissue, or wound dehiscence. One patient had a small hematoma that resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS: This technique is straightforward and easy to learn, and offers a safe, effective, and predictable way for treating mammary hypertrophy.

Clinical Experience of Matriderm(R) with Autologous Skin Graft in Full Thickness Burns

PURPOSE: The various skin substitutes for the reconstruction of full thickness skin defects after burn or excision of burn scars have been reported to reduce donor site morbidity and skin durability after skin graft. Last a decade, many skin substitutes have been frequently used for this purpose. Recently as one of dermal templates, Matriderm(R) (Dr. Suwelack Skin and Health Care AG, Billerbeck, Germany), a elastin-collagen complex, has been introduced. We present clinical experiences using Matriderm(R) for reconstruction of skin defects after burn. METHODS: We have experienced 8 cases of reconstruction of the full thickness skin defects of the acute burn wounds or burn scar contractures using Matriderm(R) in 6 patients. After insetting this dermal templates on the skin defects sites, simultaneously 8~12/1000 inch split-thickness skin grafts were over-grafted immediately. The rate of graft engraftment, appearance, rate of contractures, durability and sensibility of grafted area have been observed. RESULTS: The skin defects on face, hand, extremities were reconstructed and it's size were varied from 2x2 cm2 up to 8x2 cm2. The follow-ups varied between 4 months and 1.4 years. The rate of engraftment of Matriderm(R) site was mean 97.2% and it was relatively successful. The rates of contractures of graft site were ranged from 8 to 59.4%. In case of postburn scar contractures of lower lid, severe contractures was noted. After long follow ups, there were reduced sensation, no sweating on grafted area of Matriderm(R) sites. At post operative 6 weeks, on microscopic examination of H/E stain, thick fibrosis, fragmentation of foreign materials, and on Masson's trichrome stain, dermal sclerosis were shown, and no skin appendage structures was noted. After long follow ups, the appearance, pliability and durability of the grafted area showed relatively good. But sensory return was incomplete. By using relatively thin STSG, the morbidity of donor site could be reduced. CONCLUSION: In the cases of reconstruction of postburn skin defects due to burn and after release of burn scar contractures, we have used a dermal templates, Matriderm(R), and simultaneously relatively thin STSG have been done. After follow ups, Matriderm(R) site showed in good results in terms of the engraftment, pliability and durability. Further studies for clinical use should be imperative.