title: Too close for comfort: accidental burn following subcutaneous mastectomy and immediate implant reconstruction.
abstract: We report a case of an accidental burn from a self-applied heat pack following subcutaneous mastectomy and implant reconstruction. Such patients are at increased risk of accidental burns not only due to loss of protective sensation, but also because of the thinner, less vascular overlying skin. We have changed our practice so that all patients undergoing breast reconstructive surgery are warned postoperatively to protect the skin from externally applied heat sources.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP21 8AL, UK. ro1120@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Seth
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Lamyman
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Athanassopoulos
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tyler
mesh_terms: D000061:Accidents, Home; D000328:Adult; D001940:Breast / Q000293:injuries*; D018427:Breast Implants; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D002056:Burns / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000601:surgery; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D015414:Mastectomy, Subcutaneous