Autologous Grafts for the Correction of Breast Contour Deformities after Breast Reconstruction

Abstract

Background: Breast oncologic treatments often lead to disfiguring breast contour deformities and tissues damage. The necessity to obtain an oncological radicality should be associated to an acceptable cosmetic outcome. Fat grafting is an effective technique, however in selected cases is not indicated, therefore other techniques should be investigated. Methods: Five patients that underwent reconstruction after mastectomy have been evaluated. Breast deformities were filled with autologous grafts derived from peri-prosthetic capsule, dermoadipose tissue or both. They underwent ultrasonographic exam before and after surgery (medium 9 months) to evaluate the stability and vitality of the grafts, furthermore the thickness and vascularization of breast regions to be corrected. The aesthetic outcome was evaluated by patients and a panel of surgeons. Results: Subcutaneous tissue thickness increase resulted at Ultrasonography in all cases except one, while vascular spots were maintained in one case. Regarding the cosmetic results all cases were judged as good-excellent by the surgeon. Patients were all satisfied with the improvements obtained. Conclusions: The technique allows to obtain a great aesthetic improvement and a good satisfaction degree of patients, without the addition of recovery days or treatment sessions. It could be considered a valid alternative when other techniques are not applicable. Keywords: Breast reconstruction, Autologous graft, Ultrasonography, Peri-prosthetic capsule.