Improvement in Existing Chest Wall Irregularities During Breast Reconstruction

Abstract

Mastectomies for both cancer resection and risk reduction are becoming more common. Existing chest wall irregularities are found in these women presenting for breast reconstruction after mastectomy and can pose reconstructive challenges. Women who desired breast reconstruction after mastectomy were evaluated preoperatively for existing chest wall irregularities. Case reports were selected to highlight common irregularities and methods for improving cosmetic outcome concurrently with breast reconstruction procedures. Muscular anomalies, pectus excavatum, scoliosis, polythelia case reports are discussed. Relevant data from the literature are presented. Chest wall irregularities are occasionally encountered in women who request breast reconstruction. Correction of these deformities is possible and safe during breast reconstruction and can lead to improved cosmetic outcome and patient satisfaction.

Can a Breast Augmentation Procedure Improve the Appearance of Pectus Excavatum Deformity in Female Patients? A Prospective Study

“…8 The majority of female patients with mild PE presented to our clinic with a primary goal to undergo breast augmentation (BA) and improve their chest deformity and their concurrent breast asymmetry. 9 The plastic surgeon must identify this group of patients because PE is associated with added operative complexity that could lead to symmastia 10 or even pneumothorax, and because the patient must be informed that although the visibility of the PE may be improved, the underlying deformity will only be camouflaged and not corrected. 11 The added challenges of the BA procedure in this group of patients have received little medical attention in the literature.…”