Primary and secondary breast reconstruction with a permanent expander

Summary

The second generation of tissue expanding prostheses is the permanent expander. It has been used in a series of 88 breast reconstructions following mastectomy for malignant and premalignant disease in 49 secondary and 39 primary reconstructions, the longest follow-up being 45 months and the shortest 12 months. Pre- and postoperative radiotherapy (45 gy) has been the major source of complications: implant loss (11%), infection (2%); capsular contracture-Baker's grade III–IV (90%); and, improper positioning should also be mentioned. Primary reconstruction is no longer performed if postoperative radiotherapy is scheduled. The results were totally different if radiotherapy was omitted after primary reconstruction. The expansion was smooth, an attractive breast shape with mild ptosis was easily achieved, and only minor complications were encountered. A permanent tissue expander, either alone or covered with a latissimus dorsi flap, remains our first choice in breast reconstruction.