Breast reconstruction with perforator-based inframammary de-epithelized flap: a case report

Patients with silicon gel-injected breasts sometimes appear even now, demanding removal of this foreign body. These requests are often challenging for us-the removal leaves distortion of the breast contour. Musclocutaneous flap transfer is a good method for reconstruction, but scar formation for flap harvest is a problem. Most patients are reluctant to accept these scars. Reconstruction with prostheses has been another method. But the absence of subcutaneous tissue and degenerated muscle make implantation difficult. For one of these patients, the authors applied a method for breast reconstruction with perforator-based inframammary flap. After the removal of the siliconoma with surrounding degenerated tissues, a crescent-shaped skin flap was designed on the inframammary area. Preserving perforators into the flap, it was elevated with adipose tissue. After the skin was de-epthelized, the adipose tissue and skin flap were turned over to make the breast protrusion. The donor site is closed primarily. Ten months after the operation, there was little atrophy of the reconstructed breast, and the patient is satisfied with the result, especially with the softness of the reconstructed breast. Although this method has limitation for volume, less morbidity for donor site and volume reduction in inframammary area are advantageous. In conclusion, this inframammary flap seems to be a good tool for breast surgery.