6. Discussion

Breasts and forechest are important structures in esthetics and function in the human body [16]. Pursuing for a presentable breast and forechest contour has always been a goal for people. Imperfection at these specific areas is a common concern that brought to plastic surgeons.

This chapter introduces many kinds of breast problems, from simple to intriguing, with in-depth solutions. The breast with its unique role in esthetics and function brings about beauty and sorrow in a woman's lifelong journey.

The problems are:

1.Breast asymmetry


Breast cancer-associated complications:


Breast Recontouring DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84981

5.Loss of nipple-areola complex

6.Radiation contracture

7.Radiation necrosis

8.Breast deformity

9. Scar contracture

10.Breast asymmetry

11.Chest wall deformity

12.Lymphedema at the afflicted upper extremity

Refinements in breast shape involve thorough evaluation for not only the inherent problem but also the status of the counterpart breast shape and form.

The nipple-areola complex is also an important esthetic unit that should be taken into consideration as a whole, which encompasses the size, form, length, color, etc.

Breast cancer surgery/radiation treatment [10] may create deformity, scar contracture, loss of nipple-areola complex, chest wall tightness, or even recurrence, radiation necrosis, infection, and cardiac tamponade of the severely afflicted individuals [10].

Reconstructions of the breast cancer surgery/treatment-associated problems involve placement of implant, with differential augmentation or reduction mammaplasty/mastopexy at the contralateral side. Nipple-areolar reconstruction can be elaborated with nipple areola sharing from the contralateral side, or by using local flap, followed by full-thickness skin graft and diced cartilage graft to create areola. The implant breast reconstructions are suitable for skin-sparing mastectomy patients.

Transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap and free deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction are options for those with skin deficiencies or secondary reconstructions.

Choice of reconstruction modalities should consider the severity and general condition of the patient, expectation of the patients, and operation times that are desirable to the patients.

Pursuing excellence has been always the ultimate goal for breast surgeries and reconstructions.
