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Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Previous studies have investigated reconstructive decisions after mastectomy and such studies document a preference among African American women for autologous tissue-based procedures and among Latin American women for implant-based reconstructions, however, there is a paucity of studies evaluating the current relationship between ethnicity and reconstructive preferences. This institutional review provides a unique, up-to-date evaluation of an understudied urban population composed of majority ethnic minority patients and explores reconstructive trends. Consecutive breast reconstruction patients were entered into a prospectively maintained database at the University of Illinois at Chicago and affiliate hospitals between July 2010 and October 2013. Demographics and oncologic characteristics including tumor stage, pathology, BRCA status, and adjuvant treatment were reviewed, and reconstructive trends were assessed by racial group with a focus on reconstructive procedure, mastectomy volume, and implant characteristics. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS (version 9.2). One-hundred and sixty breast reconstructions were performed in 105 women; of which 50 per cent were African American, 26 per cent Hispanic, 22 per cent Caucasian, and 2 per cent Asian. Age, tumor stage, prevalence of triple negative disease, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment was comparable between groups. Rates of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus were slightly higher in African American and Hispanic cohorts, with more African American patients having one or more of these comorbidities as compared with the Caucasian and Hispanic cohorts (P = 0.047). Despite comparable positive BRCA testing rates, significant differences were seen in the percentage of bilateral mastectomy; 68 per cent African American, 48 per cent Caucasian, and 30 per cent Hispanic (P = 0.004). Hispanics predominantly underwent flap-based reconstruction (56%), while African American (74%) and Caucasian (60%) patients had a preference toward tissue expander reconstruction (P = 0.04 across all groups). African American and Hispanic presented with increased mastectomy weights and thus required higher implant volumes as compared with Caucasians that approached significance (P = 0.06 and P = 0.06). Implant size utilization followed a unimodal distribution for Caucasians, peaking at 500 cc; while African American and Hispanic demonstrated a bimodal distribution, peaking once at 550 cc and again at the max implant volume of 800 cc. This study of a large proportion of minority patients in an urban geographic setting offers an evolving understanding of breast reconstruction patterns. The data demonstrated unique findings of increased rates of bilateral implant-based reconstruction in African American women and unilateral flap-based reconstructions in Hispanic patients. Reconstructive decision-making seems to be greatly influenced by cultural and geographically driven preferences.

Breast reconstruction is an important aspect of treatment after breast cancer. Postmastectomy reconstruction bears a significant impact on a woman's postsurgical confidence, sexuality, and overall well-being. Previous studies have inferred that women under age 40 years have unique characteristics that distinguish them from an older cohort. Identifying age-dependent trends will assist with counseling women on mastectomy and reconstruction. To identify age-dependent trends, 100 consecutive women were sampled from a prospectively maintained breast reconstruction database at an urban academic institution from June 2010 through June 2013. Women were placed into two cohorts <40 and ≥40 as well cohorts by decade (20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s). Statistical trends were reported as odds of risk per year of increasing age using logistic regression; linear regression, χ(2), and Fischer's exact were used to compare <40 and ≥40 and split cohorts for comparison. Comorbidities, tumor staging, oncologic treatment including chemotherapy and radiation, disease characteristics and genetics, and mastectomy, reconstructive and symmetry procedures were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS software. In 100 patients of the sample study cohort, 151 reconstructions were performed. Increasing age was associated with one or more comorbidities [odds ratio (OR) = 1.07, P = 0.005], whereas younger age was associated with metastatic disease (OR = 0.88, P = 0.006), chemotherapy (OR = 0.94, P = 0.01), and radiation (OR = 0.94, P = 0.006); split cohorts demonstrated similar trends (P < 0.005). Mastectomy and reconstructive characteristics associated with younger age included bilateral mastectomy (OR = 0.94, P = 0.004), tissue expander (versus autologous flap) (OR = 0.94, P = 0.009), extra high implant type (OR = 0.94, P = 0.049), whereas increasing use of autologous flaps and contralateral mastopexy symmetry procedures (OR = 1.09, P = 0.02) were associated with an aging cohort. Increasing age was not associated with an increasing likelihood of complications (P = 0.75). Age-related factors play a role in the treatment of patients with breast cancer. Younger women typically present with more aggressive features requiring oncologic treatment including chemotherapy and radiation. Mastectomy and reconstructive choices also demonstrate age-dependent characteristics. Women in younger age groups are more likely to pursue risk-reduction procedures and implant-based strategies, whereas older women had a higher propensity for abdominal-based autologous reconstruction. In addition, preferential reconstructive strategies correlate with age-dependent archetypical features of the breast (higher profile implants in younger patients; autologous reconstruction on affected side mimicking natural ptosis, and contralateral mastopexy in older patients). These trends seem to be consistent with each increasing year of age. Age-related preferences and expectations, age-dependent body habitus and breast shape, and lifetime risk play a role in the choices pursued for mastectomy and reconstruction.

Introduction: Nipple-areolar reconstruction (NAR) is the final phase of breast reconstruction and is associated with increased patient satisfaction. Nipple-areolar reconstruction is typically performed in 2 separate stages, which include nipple reconstruction and tattooing of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC). Previous studies have demonstrated that increased duration of the reconstruction is associated with decreased patient satisfaction. Because a 2-stage reconstruction prolongs the reconstructive process, we introduce a simple and novel method of single-stage NAR (SS NAR), which combines the use of local flaps for nipple reconstruction and medical tattooing of the NAC in 1 session and delivers predictable outcomes with high patient satisfaction., Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent SS NAR at our institution during the period from September 2010 to May 2012 was performed. Patient demographics, complications, outcomes, and overall patient satisfaction were assessed. A modified questionnaire (Likert scale) was used to assess patient satisfaction of nipple size, color, shape, and projection., Results: Twenty-nine SS NARs were performed in 18 patients: 7 unilateral and 11 bilateral. Mean age was 45 years (range, 34-60 years). No major complications were identified. Mean length of follow-up was 10 months (range, 2-22 months). A 17% complication rate was observed: 14% (4/29) had irregular dye uptake of the areola, and 3% (1/29) had dehiscence from silicone guard pressure on the incision. Two patients underwent revisions: one patient underwent additional tattooing, and the other required flap readvancement and implant downsizing secondary to the wound dehiscence. We obtained a 70% survey response rate with 100% of responders who reported that they were "very satisfied" with NAC in each dimension., Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that SS NAR is a safe procedure with reproducible, excellent clinical results and very low complication rates or need for revisions. This method is cost-effective, convenient for the patient, and shortens patient recovery time with high patient satisfaction.

Background: The superomedial pedicle vertical scar breast reduction is gaining popularity for its round, projecting breast and shorter incision when compared with the traditional Wise-pattern reduction using an inferior pedicle. However, there is a paucity of large-volume institutional outcomes studies identifying how this technique fares against more traditional methods of reduction., Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of bilateral breast reductions over a 3-year period was performed. One hundred superomedial breast reductions (50 patients) were matched to 100 inferior pedicle breast reductions (50 patients). Matching was implemented based on age (±3 years) and size of reduction (±200 g). Patient demographics, size of reduction, nipple-areola complex sensitivity, minor and major postoperative complications, and symptomatic relief were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed with SAS Version 9.2., Results: Two hundred twelve patients underwent 424 bilateral breast reductions between January of 2009 and June of 2012 at a single institution. Mean volume of tissue reduced was 815 g per breast (range, 200 to 2068 g) and 840 g per breast (range, 250 to 2014 g), respectively. All patients achieved symptomatic relief. No statistical difference in major or minor complications was seen between the two cohorts. No statistical difference in major or minor complications was seen between the two cohorts. No significant difference in complications was seen between small- and large-volume reductions., Conclusion: Superomedial pedicle vertical scar breast reduction is a novel, alternative mammaplasty technique with excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes which can be used for a wide range of macromastia without a significant difference in complication rates when compared with traditional Wise pattern inferior pedicle reduction mammaplasty., Clinical Question/level of Evidence: Therapeutic, III.

Background: Use of acellular dermal matrix in breast reconstruction has been associated with increased complications. However, existing studies are generally small, from single centers, and underpowered to control for confounding using regression techniques. Here, the Tracking Outcomes and Operations in Plastic Surgery database was used to examine the effect of acellular dermal matrix on expander/implant loss when controlling for other confounders., Methods: Analysis was limited to patients having tissue expander or implant-based breast reconstruction. Surgeon-reported data, International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition codes, and Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to identify independent variables. The dependent variable of interest was 30-day rates of tissue expander or implant loss. Bivariate statistics were performed. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors of expander/implant loss when controlling for other confounders., Results: Data were available for 14,249 patients. The overall rate of expander/implant loss was 2.05 percent. Bivariate analysis demonstrated acellular dermal matrix was associated with an absolute increase in expander/implant loss of 0.7 percent (1.88 percent versus 2.58 percent, p = 0.012). The regression model demonstrated that rising body mass index, current smoking, and presence of diabetes were each independent predictors of expander/implant loss. When controlling for all other identified confounders, use of acellular dermal matrix was associated with a significant increase in expander/implant loss (odds ratio, 1.42; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.04 to 1.94; p = 0.026)., Conclusions: Thirty-day risk for expander/implant loss after tissue expander or implant-based breast reconstruction was 2.05 percent. Use of acellular dermal matrix was associated with a 0.7 percent absolute risk increase for expander/implant loss., Clinical Question/level of Evidence: Risk, III.

Background: Little information exists on the incidence of complications after acellular human dermis implantation in two-stage tissue expander breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of postoperative adverse events and identify significant predictors of complications in acellular human dermis tissue expander breast reconstruction., Methods: This study accrued all patients from January of 2004 through April of 2008 undergoing two-stage immediate tissue expander breast reconstruction using acellular human dermis. A total of 153 expanders were placed. Complications were assessed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression modeling was performed. Comparison of complication rates using the traditional (non-acellular human dermis) technique from concurrent (2004 to 2008) and consecutive time periods (2001 to 2003) for 2910 and 1170 expanders, respectively, is provided., Results: A total of 153 expanders were implanted in 96 women: 39 unilateral and 57 bilateral. Eleven (7.2 percent) were removed due to infection (n = 5, 3.3 percent), exposure (n = 4, 2.6 percent), or patient preference (n = 2, 1.3 percent). Other complications included cellulitis (3.9 percent), seroma (7.2 percent), hematoma (2.0 percent), mastectomy flap necrosis (4.6 percent), and leak/failed expansion (0.0 percent); 92.8 percent were successfully expanded and exchanged for a permanent implant. Eleven seromas (7.2 percent) were identified; nine underwent aspiration. None of these resulted in infection or reconstructive failure. Univariate analysis revealed age, body mass index, axillary dissection, and postoperative chemotherapy to be associated with reconstructive failure (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that age, body mass index, and axillary dissection are independent risk factors for developing complications (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: Acellular human dermis is a useful adjunct for intraoperative pocket development in immediate tissue expander reconstruction but can result in an increased risk of complications, in particular, seroma and reconstructive failure.