"Skin reducing mastectomy" and immediate breast reconstruction with Becker 35 contour profile breast implant: our experience.

Aim: We describe in this paper our experience with the technique of skin-reducing mastectomy in the treatment of breast cancer. Methods: Between October 2005 and April 2010 in our Center 33 patients underwent breast surgery utilizing the skin-reducing mastectomy technique and immediate breast reconstruction with expansor/definitive implant Becker 35 contour profile. Contralateral symmetrization was performed in the same operation. All selected patients satisfied inclusion critera either for nipple-sparing mastectomy or prophylactic mastectomy. We selected patients who had large ptosic breasts: areola-submammary fold >8 cm and jugular-nipple distance >25 cm. After histologic exam to confirm the lack of retroareolar tissue infiltration the nipple was preserved in a superior flap. Results: Twenty-four out of 33 patients (72.7%) did not suffer from complications. In 9 patients (27.3%) we observed early complications. During follow-up we observed in24 patients (72.7%) Baker I capsular contracture, in 9 patients (27.3%) Baker II capsular contracture. Esthetic results of symmetry, shape and volume were good to optimal. Patients' satisfaction was similar. During the follow up (6-33 months, average 17.7 months) no patient suffered from breast cancer recurrence. Conclusion: The "skin-reducing mastectomy" reduces mutilation and unsightly scar visibility. It gives a pleasant aesthetic outcome without hindering oncological safety.