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Definition of the inframammary fold in breast reconstruction: a simplified option

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European Journal of Plastic Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background:

Redefinition of the inframammary fold in post-mastectomy reconstruction is an essential element to achieve construction of a natural-looking breast, either using implants and autologous tissue. Over years many techniques have been described scheduling external surgical approach (through incisions being made directly on the fold) or internal surgical approach (through the scar of previous procedure for breast expander positioning) and using running sutures or suture with interrupted stitches.

Methods:

A modified technique for redefinition of the inframammary fold using an internal approach was performed in 130 breast reconstruction procedures. Cosmetic outcomes and stability over time were assesed.

Results:

No total collapse was observed. The outcomes were classified as very good 65.3% patients, satisfactory 23% and poor in 9.2%. The accumulative risk for definition loss of the reconstructed fold was 11% in eight years.

Conclusion:

The technique presented in this article is a modification of already reported techniques and is easy and fast to perform, it adds no external scars so ensuring at the same time, natural inframammary fold definition and good reproduction of ptosis in medium to large breasts.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, therapeutic study.

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Acknowledgement

Prof. Dr. Luis A. Verdi, Master in Statistics/Unicamp and PhD in Production Engineering/USP is thanked for statistical analysis.

Conflict of interest statement

None.

All authors disclose any financial and personal relationships with other people or organisations that could inappropriately influence (bias) their work, including employment, consultancies, stock ownership, honoraria, paid expert testimony, patent applications/registrations, and grants or other funding.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy

    Stefano Pompei, Fabio Marcasciano, Guido Caravelli, Ornella Abate, Gabriele Cricrì, Lara Labardi & Floriana Arelli

  2. Department of Plastic Surgery, Hospital do Coração, Sao José do Rio Preto, SP, Brasil

    Luiz Fernando Frascino

Authors
  1. Stefano Pompei
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  2. Luiz Fernando Frascino
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  3. Fabio Marcasciano
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  4. Guido Caravelli
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  5. Ornella Abate
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  6. Gabriele Cricrì
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  7. Lara Labardi
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  8. Floriana Arelli
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Floriana Arelli.

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Pompei, S., Frascino, L.F., Marcasciano, F. et al. Definition of the inframammary fold in breast reconstruction: a simplified option. Eur J Plast Surg 35, 723–729 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-012-0707-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-012-0707-1

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