Expanded Reverse Abdominoplasty for Reconstruction of Burns in the Epigastric Region and the Inframammary Fold in Female Patients

Abstract

We report the use of expanded reverse abdominoplasty in three female patients with postburn scars involving the entire epigastric region in which the inframammary folds were effaced, resulting in distortion of breast contour. In two of the patients, tissue expanders were used, and subsequently, reverse abdominoplasty was performed, thus re-creating the inframammary fold. The third patient reported to be pregnant after expanders were placed; therefore, smaller volumes of inflation for tissue expansion were necessary. We believe that this procedure is an optimal solution, both aesthetically and functionally, in respect to other reconstructive techniques in female patients with normal skin inferior to epigastric burns. The surgical technique and results are discussed.