Simultaneous pectoralis major myocutaneous flap combined with breast reduction for sternal defect coverage.

Abstract

The pectoralis myocutaneous island flap is a well established technique for tissue reconstruction. In female patients with concomitant breast hypertrophy there may be a simultaneous indication for breast reduction mammoplasty. The inferior pole of the breast and the inframammary fold coincide with the skin island territory of myocutaneous flaps supplied by the thoracoacromial artery. A technique is described where this tissue is preserved as the flap skin island in combination with a superior pedicle reduction mammoplasty. The technique is illustrated with two exemplary cases. The technique is suitable in women with relative unilateral or absolute bilateral large breasts with a combined sternal defect and should be taken into consideration for respective cases.