Algorithm for skin incisions in skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) and immediate breast reconstruction

Background: Skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) has been advocated as an oncologically safe approach that minimizes deformity and improves cosmesis for the management of patients with early-stage breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our aesthetic results for SSM and immediate breast reconstruction with autologous tissue and/or implants and to establish an algorithm for skin incisions in SSM. Methods: Between January 2002 and June 2004, 68 patients with early-stage breast cancer underwent SSM and immediate breast reconstruction with TRAM flap, PUP flap, DIEP flap, Transverse Myocutaneous Gracilis (T…