A single-centre, retrospective proof-of-concept review of salvage of infected or exposed implant breast reconstructions with explantation and one-stage free flap replacement

These patients are often slim with limited donor sites and pose technical challenges, often requiring double free flap reconstructions. Single-stage implant removal and autologous reconstruction preserves the breast skin envelope to maximise cosmesis in a single procedure. The introduction of healthy, well-vascularised tissue may also help treat the infection.