Background: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) preserves the natural nipple-areola complex and entire native breast skin, with the goal of better cosmetic outcomes in breast reconstruction. In bilateral TE/implant-based reconstruction requiring unilateral postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT), progressive radiation-induced fibrosis can lead to increasing nipple asymmetry with cosmetic dissatisfaction. Thus, PMRT may ultimately negate the intended positive cosmetic value of NSM compared with skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: External beam radiation in the mantle field has been a mainstay of therapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma for decades. The incidence of breast cancer in patients treated with mantle radiation is known to be elevated. Few studies have examined outcomes of breast reconstruction in this high-risk group.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Bilateral breast reconstruction in the setting of unilateral postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) remains one of the most difficult reconstructive challenges due to significant radiation-induced asymmetry from capsular contracture and superior migration of the irradiated reconstructed breast. We describe a novel and straightforward intraoperative technique for creating compensatory asymmetry to maximize postradiation symmetry in immediate bilateral tissue expander (TE) and acellular dermal matrix (ADM) reconstruction requiring unilateral PMRT.
Methods: A cohort of 25 bilateral TE/ADM breast reconstructions with planned unilateral PMRT was performed using this approach, and outcomes were reviewed.