Ancillary considerations in breast surgery

Abstract

Debated topics and new and evolving techniques in breast surgery are discussed in this chapter. Antibiotics and the use of closed-suction drains vary among surgeons, but the existing evidence favours discontinuation of antibiotics within 24 hours in most cases, and the indications for drains are limited but include breast reconstruction with acellular dermal matrix (ADM). ADM is a biological tissue substitute with many applications in breast surgery. The product selected and surgical technique used are often case specific; cost and patient anatomy play major roles. Although not suitable for all patients, ADM is an asset to prosthetic breast reconstruction. In addition, ADM is useful in the correction of breast surgery complications, including malpositioning and capsular contracture. It may be combined with fat grafting to mask rippling. Fat grafting, or lipomodelling, is an evolving science with promising results. Technique is critical for good results, and is described in this chapter. Radiographic changes after fat grafting are usually discernible from suspicious lesions, and growing evidence supports the oncological safety of this procedure