Inferior Breast Pole Dermal Flap: A 7-year Experience

The use of an inferior breast pole dermal flap for implant support in breast reconstruction is a reconstructive option with particularly favorable results in patients with macromastia and/or ptosis. The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcomes of Hispanic patients and compare them with those in the existing literature.

This observational study was conducted using a single surgeon's database. The study included female patients with macromastia and/or ptosis who underwent skin-sparing breast reconstruction using an inferior dermal flap for implant support. Variables obtained included patient demographics, history of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, degree of ptosis, brassiere size, size of initial tissue expander, final implant size, number of expansions, and complications.

A total of 202 women met the inclusion criteria; 136 underwent bilateral reconstruction and 66 underwent unilateral reconstruction. All patients underwent immediate reconstruction, 180 (89.1%) underwent 2-stage reconstruction, and 22 (10.9%) underwent 1-stage reconstruction. No significant trend was observed among those who went directly to implant and those who had tissue expander placement. The majority of patients had ptosis grade III (47.8%). Between 2017 and 2023, there were a total of 22 complications (10.9%), with the most common being infection (3.5%). Forty-two patients received radiotherapy, of which only 5 developed complications.

Breast reconstruction with an inferior breast pole dermal flap is a safe and feasible option, with minimal complications in Hispanic patients with ptosis and macromastia.