Current State of Breast Reconstruction

Special Issue Editor

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu 42415, Republic of Korea
Interests: lymphedema; breast reconstruction; microsurgery; vascular biology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a Special Issue of the Journal of Clinical Medicine titled “Current State of Breast Reconstruction”, dedicated to exploring advancements and challenges in breast reconstruction techniques. With the growing demand for both implant-based and autologous tissue reconstruction, this issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in surgical techniques, including the use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM), and methods to enhance patient outcomes.

We invite submissions focusing on innovative approaches to improve surgical precision and minimize complications. Studies on techniques to optimize the use of ADM in reconstruction, as well as research on reducing common complications such as infections, seromas, and capsular contracture, are particularly welcome. We also encourage papers on the evaluation of long-term patient satisfaction, esthetic results, and quality of life following reconstruction, which will help shape future standards of care.

This Special Issue seeks to serve as a platform for clinicians and researchers to share knowledge and contribute to the evolving landscape of breast reconstruction, ultimately improving patient outcomes in breast cancer recovery.

Dr. Il-Kug Kim
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • breast reconstruction
  • silicone implant
  • autologous tissue
  • acellular dermal matrix
  • seroma
  • outcome
  • complication
  • patient satisfaction

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

11 pages, 568 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Postoperative Breast Asymmetry Using Vectra 3D Imaging in Prepectoral Versus Subpectoral Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction
by Seung-Ho Choi, Sang-Oh Lee, Kyu-Jin Chung, Il-Kug Kim and Jun-Ho Lee
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(23), 7486; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13237486 - 9 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1135
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) is increasingly favored over autologous reconstruction due to its procedural simplicity and recovery benefits. Conducting this reconstruction using either the subpectoral or prepectoral planes has varied aesthetic outcomes. This study utilizes VECTRA XT 3D imaging to objectively assess [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) is increasingly favored over autologous reconstruction due to its procedural simplicity and recovery benefits. Conducting this reconstruction using either the subpectoral or prepectoral planes has varied aesthetic outcomes. This study utilizes VECTRA XT 3D imaging to objectively assess breast symmetry differences between these surgical techniques. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted analyzing data from patients undergoing unilateral total mastectomy followed by immediate silicone implant reconstruction via subpectoral or prepectoral techniques. The VECTRA XT 3D system provided measurements, including sternal-notch-to-nipple (SN-N), midline-to-nipple (ML-N), and nipple-to-inframammary fold (N-IMF) distances, as well as breast width, volume, and projection, taken more than a year postoperatively, to assess symmetry and aesthetic outcomes. Results: The study included 63 patients—29 in the subpectoral group and 38 in the prepectoral group. The SN-N ratio was 0.91 for the subpectoral group compared to 0.95 for the prepectoral group (p = 0.014). Among patients with a BMI of 25 or higher, the prepectoral group had an SN-N ratio significantly closer to 1 (0.97 ± 0.07) than the subpectoral group (0.89 ± 0.06) (p = 0.027). No statistically significant differences were found in metrics based on the surgical method across age categories divided at 50. Conclusions: The prepectoral IBBR technique shows improved nipple positioning and breast symmetry compared to subpectoral methods, as assessed via precise 3D imaging. This finding suggests potential advantages for surgical planning and patient satisfaction, indicating the need for large cohort studies to further investigate the factors influencing breast symmetry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current State of Breast Reconstruction)
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