Inframammary Fold Creation in Breast Reconstruction

Lee, Hae Min; Ahn, Hee Chang; Choi, Seung Suk; Jo, Dong In; Byun, Tae Ho

Abstract

Nowadays breast reconstruction with autologous tissues after radical mastectomy is commonly performed, and a natural inframammary fold in the reconstructed breast is considered to be an essential aspect of symmetrical breast shape and location. Total of 104 patients underwent breast reconstruction with free TRAM flap and formation of inframammary fold with free TRAM breast reconstruction was done in 79 patients. No suture fixation for inframammary fold were done in 19 patients. 27 patients(24.0%) were made of inframammary fold with absorbable suture, 52 patients (50.0%) underwent inframammary fold creation with nonabsorbable suture. There were 4 cases(16.0%) of displacement of reconstructed breast and 2 cases(8.0%) of partial disruption of inframammary fold in the group of no suture. There were 2 cases(7.4%) of displacement of reconstructed breast and 3 cases(11.1%) of partial disruption of inframmamary fold in the fixed group with absorbable suture. There was only 1 case(1.9%) of partial disruption of inframammary fold fixed with nonabsorbable suture group. Therefore, we could speculate that the reinforcement of ligamentous structure for making the definite inframammary fold is necessary, and the area of the inframammary fold should not be undermined in immediate breast reconstruction as much as possible in order to preserve the zone of adherence. If the fold is disrupted during the mastectomy, it should be re-created with the non-absorbable sutures. Nonabsorbable suture fixation seemed to be more stable than absorbable suture. Preoperative marking and design are very important to make the symmetrical shape and location of inframammary fold in both of immediate and delayed reconstruction of breasts.