title: The use of synthetic mesh in reconstructive, revision, and cosmetic breast surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Recent evidence suggests that the use of acellular dermal matrices in prosthetic breast reconstruction, revision, or augmentation may be associated with an increased risk of complications. In this article we report our results of a potential alternative, using a new long-term resorbable synthetic matrix in these cases.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective study was performed evaluating 11 primary breast reconstructions (19 breasts), 43 secondary reconstructions (77 breasts), 3 augmentation/augmentation mastopexys (6 breasts), and 5 mastopexys (10 breasts) in 62 patients using TIGR(®) Matrix Surgical Mesh.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Follow-up ranged from 9.4 to 26.1 months with an average follow-up of 16.5 months. Average age was 54 years. The number of patients who had prior radiation was 9 (14.5 %). Four patients (6.5 %) were smokers. Postoperative breast complications included necrosis of two flaps (1.8 %), two seromas requiring drainage (1.8 %), four infection/extrusions (3.6 %), two relapses of inframammary fold/malposition (1.8 %), and two with rippling (1.8 %). Other complications included six cases of asymmetry that required a corrective procedure. In a variety of breast surgery cases very good aesthetic results were achieved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The long-term absorbable synthetic matrix, TIGR(®) Matrix Surgical Mesh, shows potential when used as temporary reinforcement in patients undergoing breast reconstruction or breast surgery revisions and in primary aesthetic procedures, and it appears to be a viable alternative to the use of acellular dermal matrices.
authors.affiliation: Hilton Becker Clinic of Plastic Surgery, 670 Glades Road #220, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA, hbecker100@aol.com.
authors.forename: Hilton
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Becker
authors.forename: Jeffrey G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Lind
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D062088:Acellular Dermis; D019928:Breast Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D018427:Breast Implants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D015626:Tissue Expansion