Subcutaneous implant breast reconstruction: Time to reconsider?

Abstract

Improvements in breast surgery techniques such as skin and nipple preserving mastectomy and innovative prosthetics (implants, acellular dermal matrices and meshes) is renewing interest in subcutaneous (pre-pectoral) implant reconstruction. The aim of this paper is to review the current literature in an attempt to provide a rationale that may support a return to subcutaneous implant placement, so minimising the pain and functional problems resulting from submuscular breast reconstruction.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Breast reconstruction; Implant reconstruction; Pre-pectoral reconstruction; Subcutaneous implant reconstruction.