Arch Plast Surg.  2018 Mar;45(2):180-184. 10.5999/aps.2017.01039.

A rare approach? Microsurgical breast reconstruction after severe burns

• Weitgasser L
• Bahsoun A
• Amr A
• Brandstetter M
• Knam F
• Schoeller

• KMID: 2409465
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2017.01039

Abstract

Breast deformity, in post-burn patients, is a common problem leading to lower self-esteem and reclusive behavior that impairs quality of life. The authors present the course of treatment of an 18-year-old immigrant girl who suffered second- to third-degree burns over approximately 20% of her total body surface area in her early childhood. The second- to third-degree burns were located on her right trunk and abdomen, as well as her right shoulder, neck, and right groin area. Since it was not offered in her home country, reconstructive surgery, including microsurgical breast reconstruction, was sought abroad. Due to the lack of available skin and soft tissue, a bilateral breast reconstruction with free transverse myocutaneous gracilis flaps was offered. This case illustrates one method of using microsurgery to address post-burn breast deformities in order to alleviate psychological suffering and improve quality of life.

Keyword

Reconstructive surgery; Burns; Microsurgery; Free-tissue flaps; Gracilis muscle

MeSH Terms

Abdomen
Adolescent
Body Surface Area
Breast*
Burns*
Congenital Abnormalities
Emigrants and Immigrants
Female
Groin
Humans
Mammaplasty*
Methods
Microsurgery
Neck
Quality of Life
Shoulder
Skin