Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 7, 2025
Endoscopic Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomy via a Single Axillary Incision with Immediate Pre-pectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction
Published on: May 17, 2024
Prepectoral implant pocket conversion in breast reconstruction
Maria Lucia Mangialardi1, Marzia Salgarello1, Ilaria Baldelli2
1Istituto di Clinica Chirurgica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore e Unità di Chirurgia Plastica, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna e del Bambino, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy.
Converting breast implant pockets from submuscular to prepectoral planes effectively resolves animation deformity and chronic pain. This review details the procedure, outcomes, and complications of prepectoral breast reconstruction plane conversion.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Immediate prepectoral breast reconstruction (BR) is increasingly reported.
- Implant pocket conversion from submuscular to prepectoral plane is less described.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review plane conversion in implant-based BR.
- To detail indications, surgical techniques, and functional/esthetic outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases.
- Keywords included "prepectoral pocket conversion" and "breast reconstruction".
Main Results:
- Ten articles (504 breasts) were included.
- Indications: animation deformity, pain, malposition.
- 100% resolution of animation deformity; 3 studies reported pain resolution.
- Complication rate: 12.1%; capsular contracture most frequent.
- Acellular dermal matrices (ADM) and fat grafting may reduce complications.
Conclusions:
- This is the first review on submuscular to prepectoral plane conversion.
- Delineates indications, techniques, complications, and outcomes for prepectoral BR.
