Periareolar Skin-Sparing Mastectomy and Immediate Implant-Based Reconstruction: A Reappraisal

Introduction: Skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) is often used when tumor location prohibits performing a nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM). We examined a square excision of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) and an X-shaped purse string closure after implant-based reconstruction. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on patients undergoing periareolar SSM and immediate implant-based reconstruction from January 2015 through December 2022, specifically identifying those patients who had square NAC excision and skin closure. Results: Twenty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. They underwent 54 periareolar SSM and immediate implant-based reconstruction (bilateral 25, unilateral 4). Indications for surgery were cancer (30) and prophylactic (24; 2 patients had bilateral cancer). Reconstructive methods included tissue expander (TE) (36 [66.7%]) and direct-to-implant (DTI) (18 [33.3%]). The mean mastectomy weights and final implant sizes were similar between the 2 groups. Overall wound complications occurred in 13 (24.1%) of the breasts: mastectomy skin flap necrosis (MSFN; 10 [18.5%]) and infection (3 [5.6%]). Reconstructive failure occurred in 3 cases: TE, 1 (infection); DTI, 2 (MSFN/exposure). MSFN by reconstructive method: TE, 4 (11.1%); DTI, 6 (33.3%) (P = 0.05, comparing MSFN rates between TE and DTI methods). The mean initial TE fill volume was 247.1 cc; mean implant size in the DTI group was 417.8 cc (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: The square NAC excision and closure can minimize the surgical incision in implant reconstruction. Two-stage TE reconstruction permits lower initial fill volumes, which reduces the risk of MSFN after box to X closure of SSM and implant-based reconstruction. It is useful in small- to moderate-sized breasts with mild ptosis in patients who are not candidates for NSM.