Primary management of the inframammary fold in breast reconstruction using the thoracoabdominal advancement flap: Surgical technique.

Our experience in breast reconstruction confirms the significant importance of reconstructing the inframammary fold in achieving overall aesthetic satisfaction. We describe our technique for primary fixation of the inframammary fold in breast reconstruction using a thoracoabdominal advancement flap. This technique is suitable for patients with a vertical skin laxity of at least 5cm in the future inframammary fold. Prior to the procedure, it requires preparation through physiotherapy, the use of adhesive external breast prosthesis, and skin expansion using an inflatable prosthesis in extreme cases. The surgical approach follows the existing mastectomy scar. After subfascial dissection of the thoracoabdominal advancement flap, the surgeon proceeds to create two separate rows of sutures. The first row mimics the deep attachment of the inframammary fold, fixing the superficial fascia of the flap to the rib periosteum. The second row mimics the superficial attachment of the inframammary fold, fixing the dermis of the flap to the rib periosteum. The main advantage of this technique is its applicability to all breast reconstruction programs.

Use of autologous adipose tissue in acute burn wound management: A systematic review.

Fat transfer is increasingly used as part of our reconstructive armamentarium to address the challenges encountered in burn wounds and reconstructive surgery. The present systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of autologous fat transfer for acute burn wound management. A systematic review of the US National Library of Medicine, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase was conducted on October 15, 2022 (registration number CDR42022369726). A database watch was performed until submission of the manuscript. The review focused on wound healing. All studies reporting fat transfer in adult patients (at least 5 patients reported) with deep 2nd degree burn wounds were included. The database search yielded a total of 720 records and 367 patients were included from 3 studies. A statistically significant improvement in scar texture, scar appearance, and time to healing was reported in one study in the fat transfer group versus control (P<0.001). Similarly, scores for scar color, scar thickness, scar stiffness, and scar regularity increased significantly. The small number of included studies and their heterogeneity did not allow a meta-regression to be performed. This systematic review emphasizes the limited evidence currently available regarding the use of autologous fat transfer to improve burn wound healing in adult patients, even though it seems promising. Future search should focus on randomized controlled trials with a larger number of participants.