Y-Peg-in-a-Round-Hole Closure for Immediate Periareolar Mastectomy Expander Reconstruction

INTRODUCTIONMastectomies closed with a linear scar can distort the resulting shape of the breast. We present our novel Y-peg-in-a-round-hole closure method of the mastectomy scar, which improves the shape of the reconstructed breast while maintaining reliable healing, implant coverage, and minimum scar size for covering by tattoo. MATERIALS AND METHODSA retrospective review of all breast reconstruction cases performed by the senior surgeon during the period from January 2010 to January 2017 was undertaken. Data were analyzed for wound healing problems, infection rates and mastectomy skin flap necrosis. RESULTSData were extracted for 126 consecutive patients with 154 breast reconstructions. Twelve breasts (7.7%) experienced wound healing problems, for which 7 (4.5%) required revisionary surgery. Eighteen breasts (11.7%) developed an infection requiring antibiotics, of which 8 (5.2%) needed a further operation. Four breasts (2.6%) needed removal of the implant. No patients were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONAfter nipple resecting mastectomy, the Y-peg-in-a-round-hole scar minimizes radial size and contour deformity but allows for reliable wound healing.