Postoperatively Adjustable Breast Implant

Excerpt

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies in women around the world. In the United States, approximately 12.5% are affected. Therefore, genetic testing for breast cancer genes has gained popularity to identify women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer. For that reason, prophylactic mastectomies with reconstruction are being performed almost as frequently as curative mastectomies. Until 2002, the preferred method of reconstruction was performed with autologous tissue. The use of prosthetic devices, such as silicone implants, began being utilized for breast reconstruction in the 1960s.

Implant-based reconstructions have become the more popular approach since 2008 and constitute about 65% of reconstructions. Implant-based reconstruction has advantages over other types of breast reconstruction in that it is a relatively easier surgery with shorter operative time; unlike autologous tissue reconstruction, there are no complications from donor sites and the recovery is faster. This type of reconstruction preserves the skin envelope, employs a tissue expander (helping the patient to better select a final implant size), and allows the patient to undergo chemotherapy without delay. Other factors to consider in implant-based breast reconstruction are whether it is performed as a single-stage or 2-stage approach and the placement of the implant such as pre-pectoral vs. subpectoral plane.