Breast deformity, in post-burn patients, is a common problem leading to lower self-esteem
and reclusive behavior that impairs quality of life. The authors present the course
of treatment of an 18-year-old immigrant girl who suffered second- to third-degree
burns over approximately 20% of her total body surface area in her early childhood.
The second- to third-degree burns were located on her right trunk and abdomen, as
well as her right shoulder, neck, and right groin area. Since it was not offered in
her home country, reconstructive surgery, including microsurgical breast reconstruction,
was sought abroad. Due to the lack of available skin and soft tissue, a bilateral
breast reconstruction with free transverse myocutaneous gracilis flaps was offered.
This case illustrates one method of using microsurgery to address post-burn breast
deformities in order to alleviate psychological suffering and improve quality of life.
Keywords
Reconstructive surgery - Burns - Microsurgery - Free-tissue flaps - Gracilis muscle
