'Reverse expansion': A new technique of breast reconstruction with autologous tissue. Issue 11 (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fabiocchi, L.; Semprini, G.; Cattin, F.; Dellachiesa, L.; Fogacci, T.; Frisoni, G.; Samorani, D.
• Is Part Of: Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery. Volume 70:Issue 11(2017:Nov.)
• Page Start: 1537
• Page End: 1542
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: Reverse expansion -- Breast cancer -- Mastectomy -- Lipofilling; Surgery, Plastic -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 617.9505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2017.07.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-6815

Abstract

Summary: The treatment for breast cancer is sometimes long and requires a multidisciplinary approach. In 2010, in our centre, we began to perform fat grafting for breast reconstruction using the so-called 'reverse expansion' technique. This consists of the insertion of a skin expander during mastectomy, in its expansion and then in its gradual deflation in the surgical theatre during fat grafting. We performed a complete breast reconstruction in 57 patients by reverse expansion. We harvested fat from the fat excess areas using a normal liposuction cannula. From each patient, an average of 640 ccs of was collected and then centrifuged in a 4000-rpm centrifuge for 3 min. The obtained adipocytes were then injected in the operated breast using a normal lipofilling cannula. We injected an average of 318.05 ccs of adipocytes for each patient each time. The average number of sessions per patient was 3.6. Reverse expansion can be a safe and effective technique for breast reconstruction in all the breast cancer patients.