Before and after bilateral breast reconstruction revision with liposuction of the axillary rolls in a 52-year-old breast cancer survivor. She had previously had a bilateral mastectomy, tissue expander/implant reconstruction, chemotherapy and right chest wall radiation.
She wanted a nicer looking and more comfortable reconstruction result where she would feel comfortable in a tank top or swimsuit without feeling the need to hide her chest and armpits. Her under-the-muscle implants flexed when she used her arms, causing muscle strain, shoulder and neck discomfort and self-consciousness.
Her revision involved removal of the old implants, replacing her pectoralis muscles to their proper position on the chest wall, and reconstruction of her normal anatomy. The old implants were found to be ruptured, which seems to be more common with implants placed under the muscle.
New smooth round silicone gel breast implants were placed on top of the muscle, the prepectoral position. Simply converting the implants from under the muscle to on top alleviated her discomfort and corrected all her aesthetic concerns. Liposuction removed excess fat from her bra rolls and armpits. Medical tattoo brightened up her nipples and areolas to complete the reconstruction improvement.
Follow up photos are shown 10 months after surgery. She is very pleased with her reconstruction and sometimes forgets all about her breast cancer experience now – even when dressing and undressing!
*All photos are actual patient photographs and are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results may vary.
