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Current State of Breast Reconstruction

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery/Aesthetic Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2025 | Viewed by 2000

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

Manuscript Submission Information

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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 (2 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 1595 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Biocompatibility and Efficacy of Absorbable Three-Dimensional Micro-Nanofiber Scaffolds for Volume Restoration Following Post-Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction: An Experimental Study
by Ji-Yeon Bae, JungHee Shim, Sunyoung Hwang, TaeHo Kim, BumMo Koo, Young Jin Lee, Ki Yong Hong and Chan Yeong Heo
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(11), 3754; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14113754 - 27 May 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: As the incidence of breast cancer increases, reliable, effective, and innovative solutions are required for breast deformities following breast-conserving surgery. We aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility and efficacy of optimized three-dimensional (3D) micro-nanofiber scaffolds and demonstrate their clinical potential through preclinical experiments. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: As the incidence of breast cancer increases, reliable, effective, and innovative solutions are required for breast deformities following breast-conserving surgery. We aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility and efficacy of optimized three-dimensional (3D) micro-nanofiber scaffolds and demonstrate their clinical potential through preclinical experiments. Methods: Seven-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups. Group I (control group) received a 2-dimensional (2D) micro-nanofiber scaffold weighing 0.2 g; Groups II–IV received 3D micro-nanofiber scaffolds weighing 0.2, 0.3, and 0.6 g, respectively. These were subcutaneously implanted into the dorsal region and harvested with the surrounding tissues at 4, 8, and 16 weeks for histological evaluation. Results: The number of inflammatory cells was higher in Group IV than in Groups II and III at 4 weeks, with a significant increase in Group IV (p < 0.01) compared with that in Group I. At 8 weeks, it was significantly increased in Group III compared with that in Group I. Furthermore, at 16 weeks, it was significantly reduced in Group IV (p < 0.05) compared with that in Group I. The fibrosis depth in the 3D scaffolds revealed significant differences in Groups II, III, and IV (p < 0.001) compared with Group I at 4 weeks. The collagen fiber densities in the 3D groups were higher than those in the 2D group at 8 and 16 weeks. There were no statistically significant differences between the 3D groups. Conclusions: Absorbable 3D micro-nanofiber scaffolds enhance tissue integration and extracellular matrix formation following post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current State of Breast Reconstruction)
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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 1304
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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