The upper arm fasciocutaneous flap in breast reconstruction.

Abstract

We present a woman who, after a modified mastectomy, underwent a breast reconstruction with a tissue expander that soon afterward developed a Baker grade 4 capsular contracture. The result was improved with a capsulotomy and a deepithelialized upper arm fasciocutaneous flap, to give fullness to the lateral aspect of the breast. We think that the upper arm fasciocutaneous flap can be a good adjunct in breast reconstruction when lack of tissue in the lateral aspect of the breast or axilla jeopardizes the aesthetic results.