Background: Immediate prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR) following skin-reducing mastectomy (SRM) preserves the pectoralis major muscle, improving recovery and aesthetics. A dual-layer technique combining porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix (ADM) with an inferior autologous dermal sling may enhance implant support, vascularization, and lower-pole stability, particularly in patients with macromastia or ptosis. Methods: This retrospective single-center study included 20 patients (24 breasts) who underwent SRM with immediate prepectoral IBR using the dual-layer technique between January 2023 and May 2025. Demographic, oncologic, and perioperative data were collected prospectively. Complications were classified by severity, and patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using the BREAST-Q scale preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests, Shapiro–Wilk tests, and effect size estimation (Cohen’s dz). Results: Mean age was 42 ± 6.3 years and BMI 26.1 ± 3.2 kg/m2. Mean mastectomy specimen weight was 432.5 ± 120.8 g, and implant volume 375 ± 60 cc. No reconstruction failures or infections occurred. Early complications were reported in 20.8% of breasts, including superficial nipple–areola complex epidermolysis (8.3%), seroma (4.2%), and hematoma (4.2%), all managed conservatively. At 12 months, BREAST-Q scores improved significantly: satisfaction with breasts increased from 63 ± 8 to 89 ± 11 (p < 0.001); psychosocial well-being from 60 ± 10 to 81 ± 11 (p < 0.001); and physical well-being from 62 ± 7 to 82 ± 10 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Dual-layer prepectoral reconstruction using porcine ADM and autologous dermal sling is safe, provides durable implant stability, and significantly improves patient satisfaction and quality of life following SRM.

Immediate Breast Reconstruction in Skin-Reducing Mastectomy Using Prepectoral Approach with Porcine-Derived Dermal Matrix and Autologous Dermal Sling: A Retrospective Observational Study / L. Galassi, S. Scotti, F. Facchinetti, R. Gilardi. - In: SURGERIES. - ISSN 2673-4095. - 7:1(2026 Mar 23), pp. 41.1-41.15. [10.3390/surgeries7010041]

Immediate Breast Reconstruction in Skin-Reducing Mastectomy Using Prepectoral Approach with Porcine-Derived Dermal Matrix and Autologous Dermal Sling: A Retrospective Observational Study

L. Galassi
Primo
Writing – Original Draft Preparation
;
R. Gilardi
Ultimo
Writing – Review & Editing
2026

Abstract

Background: Immediate prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR) following skin-reducing mastectomy (SRM) preserves the pectoralis major muscle, improving recovery and aesthetics. A dual-layer technique combining porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix (ADM) with an inferior autologous dermal sling may enhance implant support, vascularization, and lower-pole stability, particularly in patients with macromastia or ptosis. Methods: This retrospective single-center study included 20 patients (24 breasts) who underwent SRM with immediate prepectoral IBR using the dual-layer technique between January 2023 and May 2025. Demographic, oncologic, and perioperative data were collected prospectively. Complications were classified by severity, and patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using the BREAST-Q scale preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests, Shapiro–Wilk tests, and effect size estimation (Cohen’s dz). Results: Mean age was 42 ± 6.3 years and BMI 26.1 ± 3.2 kg/m2. Mean mastectomy specimen weight was 432.5 ± 120.8 g, and implant volume 375 ± 60 cc. No reconstruction failures or infections occurred. Early complications were reported in 20.8% of breasts, including superficial nipple–areola complex epidermolysis (8.3%), seroma (4.2%), and hematoma (4.2%), all managed conservatively. At 12 months, BREAST-Q scores improved significantly: satisfaction with breasts increased from 63 ± 8 to 89 ± 11 (p < 0.001); psychosocial well-being from 60 ± 10 to 81 ± 11 (p < 0.001); and physical well-being from 62 ± 7 to 82 ± 10 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Dual-layer prepectoral reconstruction using porcine ADM and autologous dermal sling is safe, provides durable implant stability, and significantly improves patient satisfaction and quality of life following SRM.
skin-reducing mastectomy; prepectoral breast reconstruction: acellular dermal matrix; autologous dermal sling; dual-layer technique; porcine ADM; BREAST-Q; implant-based reconstruction;
Settore MEDS-14/A - Chirurgia plastica
23-mar-2026
Article (author)
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/1229715
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