Oncoplastic Breast Reconstruction With J-Scar Mammaplasty: Outcomes and Versatility of an Innovative Technique.

Abstract

Background: Oncoplastic breast surgery represents a philosophy that prioritizes both oncologic and aesthetic outcomes, introduced to overcome the limitations of conventional breast-conserving surgery. Over the years, it has demonstrated oncological safety along with numerous advantages, particularly related to patients' satisfaction and quality of life, which make acceptable complication rates as high as 16%.

Objectives: The J-mammaplasty is rarely cited in the oncoplastic approach, however it represents the standard of choice at our institution. The aim of this study is to report our large experience of J-mammaplasty in level 2 oncoplastic breast surgery.

Methods: This study enrolled 157 patients who underwent quadrantectomies and J-scar oncoplasties over a period of 3 years. Patients' demographics and morphological breast features were collected preoperatively, with photographs, and procedure specific variables were recorded intraoperatively. Complications were identified during follow-up visits. After a minimum of 12 months, surgeon and patients' reported outcomes were recorded.

Results: J-type oncoplastic reduction mammaplasty was optimally applied to patients with a wide range of characteristics, including large breasts and third-degree ptosis, as well as different tumor features, such as location, with lateral quadrants being the most common. The overall complication rate was 7%.

Conclusions: The J-mammoplasty has been applied to oncoplastic breast surgery and refined for reconstructive purposes for over 20 years at our institution. It represents a highly versatile, safe technique with high patient satisfaction.

Level of evidence: 4 (therapeutic): For image description, please refer to the figure legend and surrounding text.