Immediate Breast Reconstruction Using Silicone Implants in Previously Augmented Patients

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Augmentation mammoplasty is rapidly becoming one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgeries. Consequently, the number of breast cancer patients with a history of breast augmentation surgery will increase. The purpose of this study is to report our experience of breast reconstruction in augmented women and discuss their treatment characteristics. METHODS: From March 2010 to August 2015, 7 patients who had previously undergone breast augmentation were treated at our institution. Epidemiologic data as well as data regarding body mass index, types of mastectomy, and complication were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age was 43.4 years, the average follow-up period was 21 months, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 19.3 kg/m2, the average weight of the mastectomy specimen was 150 g. Implant-based immediate breast reconstruction after skin-sparing mastectomy was performed in seven patients and in four of these patients, acellular dermal matrix (ADM) was used. One patient had a capsular contracture of Baker grade II. One patient had seroma. CONCLUSIONS: Previously augmented patients tend to have a slender abdomen and back. Moreover, Asians have a smaller body frame and lower muscle and fat percentage than westerners, making it more suitable for implant-based reconstruction than autologous tissue. It can be recommended as a surgical method as our patients were highly satisfied with the cosmetic outcomes.