A method of reconstructing a pendulous breast utilizing the tissue expander

It is possible to reconstruct a breast mound of almost any size by utilizing tissue expansion. In order to produce a pendulous breast which is also ptotic, the tissue-expansion technique has been combined with two other procedures. A new technique is being introduced. It is that of elevating the lower third of the mature breast capsule surrounding the tissue expander at the time the permanent prosthesis is to be exchanged for the expander. The established techniques of inframammary fold reconstruction of Pennisi and Ryan are used to provide pedicle skin coverage for the undersurface of the breast and the bed of the elevated capsule. Internal and external surgical approaches are described, and two examples of each are illustrated. Breasts reconstructed in this manner have remained pendulous structures. Some loss of the initial degree of ptosis has been noted in some cases.