Postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) can compromise soft-tissue quality and cause progressive fibrosis and contracture, thereby complicating delayed breast reconstruction even after prior implant removal. Delayed reconstruction is particularly challenging when radiation-associated distortion of the breast and nipple-areola complex (NAC) coexists with contralateral ptosis, because achieving symmetry requires coordinated restoration of both breast contour and nipple position. We report the case of a 50-year-old woman with invasive ductal carcinoma of the right breast who underwent nipple-sparing mastectomy followed by immediate tissue expander reconstruction with acellular dermal matrix. During adjuvant chemotherapy, she developed a periprosthetic infection that necessitated expander removal and capsulectomy. She subsequently completed PMRT, after which progressive breast contracture and severe NAC distortion developed. Ten months after completion of PMRT, delayed breast reconstruction was performed using a muscle-sparing free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, with excision of compromised mastectomy skin, simultaneous free NAC grafting onto the flap skin paddle, and contralateral mastopexy to improve symmetry. The postoperative course was uneventful, and breast symmetry improved relative to the preoperative condition. This case illustrates a practical reconstructive option for managing severe NAC distortion in an irradiated, contracted breast after prosthetic failure.

Cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) of the face is a rare and potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that requires immediate intervention. CNF involving the buccal fat pad particularly demands surgical drainage, with attention to the surrounding anatomical structures to prevent vascular or nerve damage. In this study, we reviewed the anatomy of buccal fat pads to suggest appropriate surgical approaches. A retrospective chart review was conducted on seven patients with CNF who had a buccal fat pad abscess requiring surgical incision and drainage between January 2022 and August 2023. Abscesses within the central buccal fat pad and its pterygoid extensions were drained via intraoral incisions. Abscesses in the temporal extension were addressed by the Dingman approach. All patients underwent our surgical drainage regimen combined with proper intravenous antibiotics, leading to successful treatment of CNF without significant functional sequelae, with an average stay of 18.71 days. The buccal fat pad, which corresponds to the deep space of the face, is surrounded by vital structures such as the facial artery, vein, nerve, and parotid duct. When treating abscesses in the buccal fat pad, it is important to understand the relationship of the fat pad to other vital structures for optimal outcomes.

A post-burn scar contracture (PBSC) can cause functional problems including limited range of motion (ROM) and, in turn, poor quality of life. We present a case with an extensive PBSC combined with chronic ulceration. Treatment involved scar tissue excision, rehabilitation, and delayed reconstruction using a free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap and a split-thickness skin graft. After scar tissue excision, negative pressure was applied to the open wound; this facilitated rapid ambulation and ROM recovery within 2 weeks. Ultimately, over 6 months, the initial flexion contracture of 60º improved to 10º, and the ROM improved from 75º to 125º.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore decision making experiences of Korean women with breast cancer who underwent breast reconstruction with/after a mastectomy. METHODS: Data were collected during 2015-2016 through individual in-depth interviews with 10 women who had both mastectomy and breast reconstruction, and analyzed using phenomenological method to identify essential themes on experiences of making a decision to have breast reconstruction. RESULTS: Five theme clusters emerged. First, “expected loss of sexuality and discovery of autonomy” illustrates various aims of breast reconstruction. Second, “holding tight to the reputation of doctors amid uncertainty” specifies the importance of a trust relationship with their physician despite a lack of information. Third, “family members to step back in position” describes support or opposition from family members in the decision making process. Fourth, “bewilderment due to the paradox of appearance-oriented views” illustrates paradoxical environment, resulting in confusion and anger. Lastly, “decision to be made quickly with limited time to oneself” describes the crazy whirling process of decision making. CONCLUSION: Findings highlight aims, worries, barriers, and facilitators that women with breast cancer experience when making a decision about breast reconstruction. Deciding on breast reconstruction was not only a burden for women in a state of shock with a diagnosis of breast cancer, but also an opportunity to decide to integrate their body, femininity, and self which might be wounded from a mastectomy. These findings will help oncology professionals provide effective educational counselling before the operation to promote higher satisfaction after the operation.
Anger ; Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Decision Making* ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Femininity ; Humans ; Mammaplasty* ; Mastectomy ; Methods ; Qualitative Research ; Sexuality ; Shock ; Wounds and Injuries