The Evolution from Subcutaneous to Prepectoral Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction

Prosthetic breast reconstruction is the most common method of reconstruction offered to women following mastectomy. Prepectoral breast reconstruction has recently reemerged as an alternative technique to the partial and total muscle coverage methods. Though this technique has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in the recent published literature, many surgeons have been hesitant to adopt it out of fear of incurring the same complications associated with subcutaneous reconstructions of the past. However, recent advancements in plastic surgery including the use of acellular dermal matrices, autologous fat grafting, and improved breast implants and improved mastectomy techniques have enabled plastic surgeons to revisit the prepectoral space. In this review, the authors describe the evolution of prosthetic-based breast reconstruction from subcutaneous to prepectoral and review outcomes.