Breast reconstruction with expanders and implants: a numerical analysis.

In the last few decades, breast reconstruction has evolved significantly due to improvement in surgical techniques and development of new materials. Although most authors consider that breast reconstruction using autologous tissue offers the best aesthetic results, excellent outcomes have been obtained employing silicone implants. However there is a lack of good understanding of the implications of using each type of adjustable implant on tissue dynamics and the influence on final breast shape. The aim of this research is to analyze the stresses and strains that occur in skin immediately after breast reconstruction. This simulation is performed using the finite element package ABAQUS/Explicit.