[Subcutaneous mastectomy and reconstruction in benign breast diseases]

After a review of the techniques of subcutaneous mastectomy and of reconstruction of the breast, the authors analyze the cause of the most common complications and suggest a method which is shown to prevent their occurrence: it is based on a wide exposure of the glands to be excised and of the following defect. A dermofat flap based inferiorly is interposed between the skin and the prosthesis. Complications have been very rare in a series of 35 cases and the results have been cosmetically very satisfactory. The method is therefore indicated in all the cases where some degree of ptosis is associated with the mammary condition.