AUTOLOGOUS BREAST RECONSTRUCTION WITH MICROSURGICAL TECHNIQUES: AN UP TO DATE REVIEW AND CURRENT PERSPECTIVES

Autologous tissue breast reconstruction can best provide reconstruction of an attractive and symmetric breast mound, with an adequate degree of ptosis and the most natural feel, thus meeting the most demanding patients' psychological and aesthetic expectations. In autologous breast reconstruction a dominant role is played by microsurgical techniques and since the early 1980's they have definitely become well established standard procedures. The aim of this article is a detailed up-to-date review of the literature on autologous microsurgical breast reconstruction providing a pragmatic approach for the reconstructive plastic surgeon. A current literature review from 1976 to 2003 ran across the history of the autologous tissue breast reconstruction and was focused on microsurgical reconstructive methods. Over this period 12 different free flaps were described for autologous tissue breast reconstruction. The various flaps are presented in order of popularity and special consideration is dedicated to lower abdominal flaps and to the comparison between pedicled and free TRAM flaps.