Current developments in autologous breast reconstruction

Excerpt

Ablative surgery following breast cancer is the most common indication for partial or total breast reconstruction. Patients confronted with developmental alterations, congenital malformations and breast deformities following trauma or infection can also benefit from the reconstructive principles applied to the breast cancer population. There is also an emerging group of women with normal breasts who have been advised by the medical profession that they are at high risk of breast cancer. Genetic mutations of the BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genes are growing in significance as more precise tools for genetic screening become available [6]. This patient population is looking to replace both normal breasts rather than one diseased or surgically disfigured one; the stakes are therefore very high and the demand for aesthetically-pleasing breast reconstruction is great. …