Serratus Anterior Fascia for Immediate Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction

Abstract

Objective After immediate implant-based breast reconstruction (IIBR) after mastectomy, implant exposure or capsular contracture can occur. This study aimed to evaluate IIBR using serratus anterior fascia in patients with breast cancer. Methods This retrospective case series study enrolled patients with breast cancer underwent IIBR using the serratus anterior fascia after mastectomy in the Department of Breast Surgery of Fujian Cancer Hospital between January 2021 and December 2022. Results Sixty-five cases with breast cancer underwent IIBR using serratus anterior fascia were enrolled, with a median age of 39 years (range, 24–57 years) and body mass index of 21.32 kg/m2 (range, 19–25 kg/m2). The aesthetic outcomes of the reconstructed breasts showed good in 53 cases (81.6%), moderate in 11 cases (16.9%), and poor in 1 case (1.5%) due to offset position. Two cases showed poor wound healing, which improved after repeat suturing and 5 cases developed partial ischemic necrosis of the nipple, which scabbed and healed spontaneously. Conclusions Implant-based breast reconstruction using serratus anterior fascia may provide good aesthetic outcomes with few complications.