Early, Staged Reconstruction in Young Women with Severe Breast Asymmetry

Study ObjectiveTo retrospectively examine a cohort of young women with severe hypoplasia or asymmetric breast development who underwent breast reconstruction with tissue expansion and to determine complication rates as well as patient satisfaction.DesignChart review.SettingThe University of Michigan Hospital, a tertiary care center.ParticipantsWomen less than 25 years of age who underwent staged breast reconstruction with a tissue expander between 1998 and 2006.Main Outcome MeasuresComplication rate and patient satisfaction.ResultsThe mean age of patients undergoing the procedure was 18.1 years (range 14-25 years). Of 10 patients with recorded tobacco use, 8 (80%) were noted to be nonsmokers. One of 14 patients (7.1%) was found to have a minor complication (cellulitis), and 2 of 14 (14.2%) were found to have major complications. Of the 13 patients who had at least 6 weeks of follow-up after completion of their reconstruction, 10 were subjectively documented as pleased with the result, 2 records made no mention of patient satisfaction, and 1 patient had concerns regarding her results.ConclusionOur study shows promising results for the use of tissue expanders in young women with significant breast asymmetry or unilateral/bilateral micromastia. The very important issues of short-term and long-term satisfaction and outcomes needs further study before advocating an early approach to teens with breast deformities.