OBJECTIVE: To explore the application value of dual chamber round tissue expander in immediate breast reconstruction. METHODS: Sixteen patients, who had been provided immediate tissue expander/implant two-stage breast reconstruction using dual chamber round tissue expander in our hospital from March 2022 to October 2023, were involved in this study, and the relevant information was analyzed retrospectively. The overall design of the expander is a round shape, consisting of two equally divided semi-circular chambers. The two expansion chambers are connected by a silicone pad below and are respectively connected to their own water injection tubes. Both chambers are designed to expand unidirectionally towards the surface. The expansion principle, insertion process, and type of expander selection were investigated. The expansion effect and incidence of complications were summarized. The aesthetic effect of reconstructed breasts was evaluated from three aspects after stage Ⅱ surgery: the position of infra mammary fold, the breast protrusion, and the breast volume. RESULTS: Among sixteen patients in this study, three patients were selected with the type of 400 mL expander and thirteen patients were given the type of 600 mL expander. The median time of tissue expansion was 4.0 (2.0, 5.0) months, with an average volume of expansion of (538.8±111.7) mL. The average expansion ratio of upper/lower chamber was 45.4%±8.4%. The position of the infra mammary fold needed not to be adjusted during the prosthesis exchange process. All the patients were applied anatomical prostheses, and the median volume of the prosthesis was 395 (345, 410) mL. One patient developed seroma during expansion period, who got improved after local aspiration. The average follow-up time was (9.0±3.6) months. 81.3% (13/16) of the patients achieved an aesthetic evaluation of "Good" in breast reconstruction, and 75.0% (12/16) of the patients got a grade Ⅰ or grade Ⅱ capsule contracture of the prosthesis. CONCLUSION The application of dual chamber round tissue expander could effectively dilate the lower pole of the breast, personalize the expansion ratio of the upper and lower poles of the breast, and avoid the displacement of the expander during the expansion period. Therefore, it could provide a good foundation for subsequent prosthesis exchange.
Humans ; Tissue Expansion Devices ; Female ; Mammaplasty/instrumentation* ; Tissue Expansion/instrumentation* ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Breast Neoplasms/surgery* ; Breast Implants ; Mastectomy

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the complication of nipple retractor in correcting inverted nipples.

METHODS51 patients (95 inverted nipples) who wore nipple retractor in our hospital were included. All the complications they suffered were evaluated.

RESULTSThe total complication rate was 32.63% (31/95 nipples), include areolar depigmentation (21.05%, 20/95), areolar pressure ulcer (5.26%, 5/29), wire dislocation (4.21%, 4/95), nipple necrosis (2.11%, 2/95).

CONCLUSIONSImproper operation technique and insufficient post operation medical care are related with high complication rate of nipple retractor. The most common complication is areolar depigmentation, which will not result in nipple deformity or dysfunction. The nipple retractor could avoid additional scars and ductal injury, which is less traumatic than other techniques.

Adult ; Breast Diseases ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Mammaplasty ; adverse effects ; instrumentation ; methods ; Orthotic Devices ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the technique of repeated operation for removement of polyacrylamide hydrogel from breast.

METHODS17 cases after uncomplete removement of PHG were reoperated through inferior periareolar incision. The PHG and affected denatured muscle and gland tissue were removed.

RESULTSPreoperative MRI or CT showed PHG distributed diffusely in muscle and gland. There was only minimal residual PHG after operation. Histological examination showed PHG distributed in the denatured and proliferative fibrous tissue, including giant cells, many neutrophilic cells infiltration, and foreign body granuloma. The symptoms, such as intramammary pump or nodule, chest and back pain, infection, were relieved after operation.

CONCLUSIONSBlinded suction technique can not remove PHG completely and can also result in malposition of PHG and make the tissue denaturation worse. We suggest open approach to remove the PHG and denatured tissue completely through periareolar incision.

Acrylic Resins ; Adult ; Breast Implants ; Device Removal ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Mammaplasty ; instrumentation ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the indications, surgical methods and esthetic results in patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction with expandable implants.

METHODSFrom January 2002 to March 2006, immediate breast reconstructions were carried out with expandable implants following mastectomy in 30 breast cancer patients. Nipple-areola were preserved in 5 patients.

RESULTSVery satisfactory results were achieved. Minor complications were recorded in 3 patients, two with local skin necrosis, and another with partial necrosis of nipple-areola complex.

CONCLUSIONSThe techniques provide better results for the patient who is not a candidate for simple implant reconstruction. These techniques also eliminate the need for a second major surgery to replace a temporary expander with a permanent implant in those patients needing soft tissue expansion. It is a simple procedure with advantages of no additional scarring, short time for convalescence.

Adult ; Breast Implants ; Breast Neoplasms ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Mammaplasty ; instrumentation ; methods ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo study the polypropylene mesh acted for the moulding and support.

METHODSFour mini-pigs were used in this experimental research. A polypropylene mesh was implanted under the skin on one side of each pig. An expander was thereafter placed in the deep layer to imitate the action of gravity to the skin and mesh. The specimens were collected in two different times for the biomechanics and histology examinations.

RESULTSThe biomechanical data were shown lower and the histological properties were found changeable in the expanded skin without the mesh support, compared with the normal skin. However, the changes did not occur in the expanded skin with the mesh support. Furthermore, the tensile strength and elastic modulus of the polypropylene mesh were significant less than the human skin.

CONCLUSIONThe Polypropylene mesh could prevent the extended skin effectively and has moulding and support effects.

Animals ; Breast ; surgery ; Dermatologic Surgical Procedures ; Mammaplasty ; instrumentation ; methods ; Models, Animal ; Polypropylenes ; Surgery, Plastic ; instrumentation ; methods ; Surgical Mesh ; Swine ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo evaluate a knitted polypropylene mesh used for mammapexy in correcting the breast ptosis.

METHODSTwenty-one patients with the mild or moderate breast ptosis were undergoing the mammapexy with a knitted polypropylene mesh. The operation was performed through the periareolar incision and a monofilament knitted polypropylene mesh was subcutaneously implanted on the surface of the gland and fixed upward.

RESULTSAll of the patients were satisfactory of the appearance with the follow-ups from 2 to 16 months. No secondary ptosis, hypertrophic scars and foreign body reactions were found.

CONCLUSIONThe above-mentioned technique could be a good, safe and reliable method for correcting breast ptosis.

Humans ; Mammaplasty ; instrumentation ; methods ; Polypropylenes ; Surgical Mesh