Reconstruction of the breast without additional skin or muscle flaps

After mastectomy (usually simple or modified radical) many breasts may be reconstructed without additional tissue. However, in any patient in whom the skin flaps are very thin and/or tight, especially if the flaps have been irradiated, we urge use of the thoracoepigastric flap, latissimus dorsi muscle, or myocutaneous flap to achieve a pleasing result.