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01-03-2013 | Case Report

Successful salvage of exposed breast implants in previously irradiated patients using local fasciocutaneous flaps

Authors: Nicholas G. Rabey, Charles M. Malata

Published in: European Journal of Plastic Surgery | Issue 3/2013

Abstract

Radiotherapy is used commonly in the treatment of breast cancer but can damage the surrounding tissues. For patients who have had implant-based breast reconstruction, this may result in tissue breakdown with exposure of the prosthesis. We present two cases in which an implant has become exposed following radiation therapy and been successfully salvaged with local fasciocutaneous flaps. The patients were aged 50 and 59 and had excellent results after at least 24-months follow-up. We aim to show that in selected patients local flaps remain a useful option in implant salvage in the irradiated breast.

Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.

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Title: Successful salvage of exposed breast implants in previously irradiated patients using local fasciocutaneous flaps
Authors: Nicholas G. Rabey
Charles M. Malata
Publication date: 01-03-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Plastic Surgery / Issue 3/2013
Print ISSN: 0930-343X
Electronic ISSN: 1435-0130
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-012-0718-y

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Successful salvage of exposed breast implants in previously irradiated patients using local fasciocutaneous flaps

Abstract

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Abstract

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