Autologous Breast Reconstruction in Low Body Mass Index Patients: Strategies for Maximizing Skin Envelope and Breast Volume

Clin Plast Surg. 2020 Oct;47(4):611-619. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2020.07.001. Epub 2020 Aug 12.

Abstract

Pure autologous breast reconstruction in thin patients creates challenges. This review highlights techniques to optimize the scarce donor tissue available, approaches to reconstruction, and microsurgical techniques. A systematic approach to maximize breast volume and the skin envelope in patients who underwent pure autologous breast reconstruction by a single senior surgeon is presented with a clinical case series. Included in the study were 125 patients (217) with autologous breast reconstructions. Although DIEP flaps were the commonest flap used overall (79%), within in the low body mass index (<22) group, there was a greater use of Latissimus (32%), and thigh-based flaps (>50%).

Keywords: Autologous; Breast reconstruction; Fat grafting; Low body mass index; Thin.

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / transplantation*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Algorithms
  • Autografts
  • Body Mass Index
  • Breast Implants
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mammaplasty / methods*
  • Mastectomy* / methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Perforator Flap*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surgical Flaps
  • Thinness
  • Tissue Expansion*