[Expandable implants in immediate breast reconstruction].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the indications, surgical methods and esthetic results in patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction with expandable implants.


METHODS
From January 2002 to March 2006, immediate breast reconstructions were carried out with expandable implants following mastectomy in 30 breast cancer patients. Nipple-areola were preserved in 5 patients.


RESULTS
Very satisfactory results were achieved. Minor complications were recorded in 3 patients, two with local skin necrosis, and another with partial necrosis of nipple-areola complex.


CONCLUSIONS
The techniques provide better results for the patient who is not a candidate for simple implant reconstruction. These techniques also eliminate the need for a second major surgery to replace a temporary expander with a permanent implant in those patients needing soft tissue expansion. It is a simple procedure with advantages of no additional scarring, short time for convalescence.
Li
Fa-cheng
FC
Department of Plastic Surgery, the Chao Yang Hospital, Affiliate of Capital University of Medical Science, Beijing 100020, China.
Jiang
Hong-chuan
HC
Li
Jie
J
D000328:Adult; D018427:Breast Implants; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged