Breast and abdominal scarring after DIEP flap breast reconstruction: An exploration of patient-reported scar quality

Abstract

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Long-term Results after Autologous Breast Reconstruction with DIEP Versus PAP Flaps based on Quality of Life and Aesthetic Outcome Analysis

“…POSAS scores were inferior in both studies compared to our results, but Siegwart reports a better patients' and observers' overall opinion about scar quality in the DIEP group without mesh [14,36]. Patient information about donor-site scar outcome is crucial to maximize post-operative scar appraisal [14]. Some patients might have the preconception that flap harvesting is equivalent to widely known body-contouring procedures since similar surgical incisions are made, but aesthetic outcome after abdominoplasty has been described as superior to the abdominal donor-site after autologous breast reconstruction [37].…”

“…So far, two studies using the POSAS have been completed for DIEP scar evaluation after breast reconstruction. POSAS scores were inferior in both studies compared to our results, but Siegwart reports a better patients' and observers' overall opinion about scar quality in the DIEP group without mesh [14,36]. Patient information about donor-site scar outcome is crucial to maximize post-operative scar appraisal [14].…”

“…In order to allow informed consent, all reconstructive options must be well discussed. Moreover, quality of provided information in the counseling process is crucial for post-operative patient satisfaction [14]. Literature review revealed three comparative studies about patient reported donor-site morbidity in autologous perforator flap breast reconstruction, with diverging patients' preferences being reported [15][16][17].…”

Long-Term Results after Autologous Breast Reconstruction with DIEP versus PAP Flaps Based on Quality of Life and Aesthetic Outcome Analysis

“…So far, two studies using the POSAS have been completed for DIEP scar evaluation after breast reconstruction. The POSAS scores were inferior in both studies compared to our results, but Siegwart reports a better patient and observer overall opinion about scar quality in the DIEP group without a mesh [13,35]. Patient information about donor site scar outcome is crucial to maximizing postoperative scar appraisal [13].…”

“…In order to allow informed consent, all reconstructive options must be well discussed. Moreover, the quality of the provided information in the counseling process is crucial for postoperative patient satisfaction [13]. A literature review revealed three comparative studies about patient-reported donor site morbidity in autologous perforator flap breast reconstruction, with diverging patient preferences being reported [14][15][16].…”