The Skin Necrosis Conundrum: Examining Long-term Outcomes and Risk Factors in Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction

Mastectomy skin flap necrosis (MSFN) is a common complication following mastectomy that causes significant distress to patients and physicians and also compromises oncologic, surgical, and quality-of-life outcomes.

We sought to investigate the long-term outcomes of MSFN following implant-based reconstruction (IBR) and determine the rates and predictors of post-MSFN complications.

This was a 20-year analysis of consecutive adult (>18 years) patients who developed MSFN following mastectomy and IBR from January 2001 to January 2021. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify factors associated with post-MSFN complications.

We identified 148 reconstructions, with a mean follow-up time of 86.6 ± 52.9 months. The mean time from reconstruction to MSFN was 13.3 ± 10.4 days, and most cases (n = 84, 56.8%) were full-thickness injuries. Most cases (63.5%) were severe, 14.9% were moderate, and 21.6% were mild. Forty-six percent (n = 68) developed a breast-related complication, with infection being the most common (24%). An independent predictor of overall complications was longer time from reconstruction to MSFN (odds ratio [OR], 1.66; P = .040). Aging was an independent predictor of overall complications (OR, 1.86; P = .038); infection (OR, 1.72; P = .005); and dehiscence (OR, 6.18; P = .037). Independent predictors of dehiscence were longer interval from reconstruction to MSFN (OR, 3.23; P = .018) and larger expander/implant size (OR, 1.49; P = .024). Independent predictors of explantation were larger expander/implant size (OR, 1.20; P = .006) and nipple-sparing mastectomy (OR, 5.61; P = .005).

MSFN is associated with high risk of complications following IBR. Awareness of the timing and severity of MSFN and the predictors of post-MSFN complications is crucial for guiding evidence-based decision-making and improving outcomes.