[Expandable implants in immediate breast reconstruction].

Objective: To investigate the indications, surgical methods and esthetic results in patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction with expandable implants.
Methods: From 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.
Results: Very 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.
Conclusions: The 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.