Skin-Sparing Mastectomy and Immediate Breast Reconstruction

Skin-sparing mastectomy refers to a standard mastectomy aimed at minimizing unnecessary skin sacrifice of the breast when immediate breast reconstruction is planned. Preservation of breast skin unaffected by tumor provides an ideal color and texture match of the reconstructed breast with the opposite breast. The advantages of immediate breast reconstruction are its cost-effectiveness--only 1 anesthesia induction and hospitalization are required--and an improved cosmetic outcome that translates into a positive body image for the patient. Skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction does not increase local or regional cancer recurrence or interfere with adjuvant radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The 2 techniques employed for creating a reconstructed breast mound are saline- or silicone-gel-filled implants and the use of autogenous tissue.