The Lateral Breast Flap Sling: A Novel Technique for the Revision of Autologous Breast Reconstructions

Abstract

Introduction A wide breast footprint is a common complaint expressed by breast reconstruction patients following abdominally-based autologous breast reconstruction. Our aim is to describe the lateral autologous breast sling, a novel technique, which modifies the lateral flap inset to address this common patient complaint. Methods A review of consecutive women who underwent the lateral autologous breast flap sling procedure over a four-year period was completed. Patient demographics, oncologic treatment, operative interventions, surgical indications, and complications were evaluated. Results Fourteen patients underwent 21 lateral autologous breast flap sling procedures with a mean follow-up of 18 months. Eleven patients underwent delayed breast reconstruction while three were completed immediately, including one patient who had concurrent unilateral mastectomy, free tissue transfer, and a lateral breast sling procedure. Revision surgery was sought for breast asymmetry, excessive lateral breast tissue, and poor superior pole volume. Simultaneous revision procedures were performed in 12 patients and included fat grafting, abdominal donor site revision, contralateral breast reduction, and V to Y advancement of the lateral breast/ chest soft tissues. Reconstruction was complete in 10 patients, with an average duration of 13.5 months and four reconstructive procedures. There were no major perioperative complications. Three patients developed fat necrosis following lipofilling and two of these patients required drainage and/or excision of fat necrosis. Conclusions The lateral autologous breast flap sling technique adds to the armamentarium for narrowing the wide breast and improving the lateral breast curve. It may be performed in combination with other revision procedures. The use of this technique is associated with a low complication rate and does not significantly increase the total number of reconstructive procedures or duration of reconstruction. This technique may be useful during initial free tissue transfer.