The Use of the Original Method of Restoring the Inframammary Fold During Two-Stage Breast Reconstruction

Abstract

The Inframammary fold (IMF) is an important component of attractive and esthetically normal appearance of the breast and one of the most important elements of natural breast ptosis. It plays a significant role in the formation and maintenance of breast shape as well as it provides support for the implants placed subpectoral that prevent their malposition. It is necessary to restore the IMF during breast reconstruction and it allows achieving results similar to their natural breasts. The IMF reconstruction existing methods on a row with the advantages have some disadvantages: visible scars and contour irregularities in case of the external access, indentations at the site of IMF, little ptosis improvement or small projection, therefore it is impossible to choice a particular method of its reconstruction. Considering certain shortcomings of the existing methods of reconstruction Prof. A. Ismagilov et al. have developed a new IMF reconstruction technique using the posterior sheet of the expander capsule. This article presents our 4-year experience of performing this original technique during two-stage breast reconstruction.