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Internal mammary artery perforator-based plug flap
Nello Pirozzi1, Nicola Rocco2, Maurizio Bruno Nava3
1Breast Unit, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
Introduction:
Various oncoplastic techniques have emerged over the years to preserve breast cosmesis and symmetry without compromising the principles of tumor excision. One of the newer techniques for breast volume replacement to achieve symmetry and cosmesis is the use of fascio-cutaneous pedicled chest wall perforator flaps or local perforator flaps (CWPF).
Case Presentation:
We present a case of reconstruction with internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP)-based plug flap to fill the infero-medial defect caused by a tumor close to skin, with visible retraction.
Clinical Discussion:
A 52 years old woman, with an extensive palpable mass (3 cm) in the lower medial quadrant of the right breast, the tumor was close to skin, with visible retraction. The patient has small and round breasts, without ptosis.
Conclusion:
In this situation and when there is skin that needs to be removed, reconstruction can be done with a pedicle flap skin paddle; the IMAP flap is an ideal donor site in these cases. It is a safe flap with good vascularization and offers a great cosmetic result.
