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Inferior dermal flap in breast reconstruction with tissue expanders
Sevgi Kurt Yazar1, Merdan Serin1, Fatih Irmak2
1Plastic Surgery, Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
BMJ Case Reports
|November 3, 2017
Summary
This case report details using an inferior dermal flap for breast reconstruction with a tissue expander. Despite postoperative skin necrosis, the flap successfully prevented the expander from being exposed.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Breast Reconstruction
Background:
- Tissue expanders are commonly used in breast reconstruction.
- Protecting the tissue expander from exposure is crucial for successful outcomes.
- Dermal flaps offer a potential method for covering tissue expanders.
Observation:
- A surgical case involving an inferior dermal flap to cover a tissue expander during breast reconstruction was documented.
- Skin necrosis occurred on the seventh postoperative day.
Findings:
- The inferior dermal flap provided successful coverage, protecting the tissue expander from exposition despite the observed skin necrosis.
- This technique demonstrates resilience in maintaining expander integrity.
Implications:
- Inferior dermal flaps can be a viable option for tissue expander coverage in breast reconstruction.
- This approach may offer protection against complications like exposure, even with partial flap compromise.
- Further investigation into flap viability and management of necrosis in this context is warranted.
