Katherine A Rodby, Karina P Quinn, Babak Mehrara and Anuja K Antony
Background: Women seeking implant-based breast reconstruction increasingly request a round, projecting breast with an amplified upper pole that mimics the augmented breast. Two-stage reconstruction provides the opportunity to recreate a well-defined inframammary fold (IMF) with ptosis, to modify final implant characteristics (volume upsizing, high profile, gel implants) and correct contour irregularities with lipofilling at exchange to achieve this desired outcome. Methods/Technique: All patients completing two-stage breast reconstruction were added prospectively into a database. Patient demographics, oncologic phenotype and treatment, surgical details including IMF reconstruction, implant characteristics, and outcomes were reviewed. 2D and 3D photos and intraoperative videography were captured, further illustrating the technique. Results: 84 two-stage breast reconstructions were completed in 50 women between 5/2010– 11/2013. Mean age at the time of mastectomy was 42.8 years and mean BMI was 30. At the time of exchange, the majority of implants were typically upsized from the final expansion volume, with a volume increase ranging from 10-150cc (mean increase 46cc). Mean expander fill volume and final implant volume were 595cc and 618cc respectively. Fifty-nine reconstructions (70%) included inframammary fold reinforcement. Sixty-eight (81%) of reconstructions utilized high profile or extra-high profile implants. Selective use of fat grafting was implemented later in the series. Conclusion: Current advances in two-stage implant based breast reconstruction are outlined to achieve upper pole fullness, anterior projection of the breast, and definition of the inframammary fold. These strategies afford reconstructive outcomes that parallel the desired aesthetic features of the augmented breast.