Use of a biological scaffold in the cleavage area in complex revision breast augmentation: A surgical technique and case series.

Background: Bilateral breast augmentation has been the top surgical procedure performed worldwide by plastic surgeons for the past 5 years. Complex breast revision patients are challenging, with the cleavage area being one of the most difficult areas to navigate. We present a novel technique for using biological scaffolds in revision breast augmentation surgery.

An Evaluation of the Effect of Activation Methods on the Release of Growth Factors from Platelet-Rich Plasma.

Background: Activation of platelets in platelet-rich plasma may improve growth factor release, thus enhancing regenerative properties. The authors investigated whether different methods of platelet-rich plasma activation affected growth factor release kinetics over time.

Methods: Platelet-rich plasma from 20 healthy volunteers was processed by six different methods: (1) control (nonactivated); (2) activation with calcium chloride; (3) activation with calcium chloride and ethanol; (4) activation with calcium chloride and ethanol at 4°C; (5) activation with calcium chloride and ethanol with vitamin C; (6) activation with calcium chloride and ethanol with vitamin C at 4°C.

Does surgical procedure type impact postoperative pain and recovery in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap breast reconstruction?

Background: The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is the commonest flap used for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. It is performed as a unilateral (based on one [unipedicled] or two [bipedicled] vascular pedicles) or bilateral procedure following unilateral or bilateral mastectomies. No previous studies have comprehensively analyzed analgesia requirements and hospital stay of these three forms of surgical reconstruction.

Donor site morbidity in DIEP free flap breast reconstructions: A comparison of unilateral, bilateral, and bipedicled surgical procedure types.

Background: The use of abdominal tissue in post-mastectomy autologous breast reconstruction is a popular choice among reconstructive surgeons. This is the first study to evaluate donor complications comparing unilateral, bilateral, and bipedicled DIEP breast reconstructions.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of all women undergoing rib-preserving DIEP free flap breast reconstruction at a University Hospital between 2008 and 2015 by the senior surgeon (CMM).