Expanded Lateral Thoracic Flap and Torso Advancement Flap for the Treatment of Postburn Breast Deformity

Deep burns to the upper abdomen that involve the submammary fold can lead to downward contracture and may cause significant asymmetry in a single breast, which can cause serious aesthetic and psychological problems, especially when they occur during childhood or before puberty. The objective of this study was to establish a practical treatment approach for postburn unilateral breast reconstruction after downward contracture.

We conducted this retrospective review of patients with postburn unilateral breast deformity who underwent reconstruction using the expanded lateral thoracic flap and torso advancement flap from 2016 through 2021. We collected data on various characteristics, including patient information, surgical procedure details, number of expanders used, reconstruction effectiveness, and postoperative breast development.

A total of 25 patients were included in the study, and all flaps survived. A total of seven complications related to the expander were recorded, including one hematoma, three port and tube issues, two cases of skin ischemia, and one instance of expander exposure. All complications were effectively managed through appropriate interventions. Breast position deviations were corrected, resulting in breast symmetry with the opposite side.

The results of this study indicate that the expanded lateral thoracic flap and torso advancement flap procedure can effectively and safely restore the position of postburn breasts and promote symmetrical breast development. This procedure may be one of the options for reconstruction of postburn unilateral breast deformity.