Gracilis myocutaneous free flap in autologous breast reconstruction.

Background: The gracilis myocutaneous free flap provides an alternative for autologous breast reconstruction. It avoids abdominal donor-site morbidity, allows for a quicker recovery, provides an alternative to the thin patient with a hidden and acceptable donor site, and allows for supine positioning for harvest and inset in a timely fashion.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of all autogenous postmastectomy reconstructions performed between January of 2005 and March of 2008.

Acellular dermis-assisted prosthetic breast reconstruction versus complete submuscular coverage: a head-to-head comparison of outcomes.

Background: Complete submuscular tissue expander coverage affords the best protection against implant exposure but restricts lower pole expansion. Techniques using acellular dermis as a pectoralis muscle extension can allow for more rapid fill of the expander and better control of the inframammary fold. This study compares both techniques with regard to relevant outcomes.