[Clinic applications of primary breast reconstruction with a subpectoral silicone tissue expander].
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of breast reconstruction that permits the surgeon to expand and recruit sufficient tissue for modified radical mastectomy, skin-sparing mastectomy and asymmetry deformity. METHODS: Placement of round tissue expander in subpectoral position below. Overexpansion of tissue expander to match over 30% approximately 50% opposite breast. After 3 months, removal of tissue expander and replacement with permanent implant. RESULTS: Postoperative follow-up for 3 months to 2 years demonstrated satisfactory results in all the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The breast reconstruction with a subpectoral silicone tissue expander is an ideal treatment to modified radical mastectomy, skin-sparing mastectomy and asymmetry deformity. The women can obtain a restored breast to approximate a full opposite breast and avoids a major distant surgical intervention and additional scars. Tissue expansion should be cautiously used in cases of patients with irradiated chest skin.