Combined Goldilocks and Lateral Intercostal Artery Perforator (LICAP) Flap for Breast Reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Oncology

Background:

• Breast reconstruction presents challenges for patients with comorbidities, obesity, or advanced age.
• These patients often have lateral chest wall and axillary adiposity, leading to contour deformities post-mastectomy.
• Minimizing operative time and complexity is crucial for this patient group.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel combined surgical technique for breast reconstruction and lateral adiposity reduction.
• To evaluate the safety, reproducibility, and aesthetic outcomes of this combined approach.

Main Methods:

• The study combined the Goldilocks mastectomy technique with the lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP) flap.
• The Goldilocks technique utilizes an inferiorly based mastectomy flap for central/medial breast mound reconstruction.
• The LICAP flap incorporates lateral chest fat for enhanced lateral breast volume.

Main Results:

• Four patients underwent the combined procedure.
• All patients achieved satisfactory breast volume and contour.
• No flap loss or major complications were reported.

Conclusions:

• The combined Goldilocks mastectomy and LICAP flap technique is a safe and effective solution for breast reconstruction in challenging patient populations.
• This approach offers aesthetic advantages and addresses lateral adiposity, improving patient outcomes.
• It provides a practical reconstructive option for previously underserved patients.