Breast Reconstruction following Breast-conserving Surgery with a Subcutaneous Tissue Expander and Latissimus Dorsi Flap

SUMMARY: Corrective surgery following breast-conserving surgery is generally challenging due to severe fibrosis induced by postoperative radiotherapy. Although use of the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap offers a safe and reliable option, exposure of the skin paddle to the skin surface is often inevitable to achieve correction of nipple-areola complex malposition, leaving conspicuous, patchwork-like scars on the breast. In this report, we describe a 2-stage procedure using a subcutaneous tissue expander and the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for the correction of both nipple-areola complex malposition and breast volume without skin paddle exposure. Although careful observation is necessary during skin expansion, this technique could offer an alternative option for patients undergoing corrective surgery following breast-conserving surgery.