Although breast conservation surgery is the
treatment of choice in early breast cancer, approximately
30% of all patients with breast
cancer have to undergo mastectomy [1]. Reconstructive
surgeons focus their efforts on refining
and developing techniques that optimize oncologic
outcome and recreate the most natural
breast mound possible [2]. As extirpative techniques
have changed, so have reconstructive
options and goals. Oncological breast surgery
has evolved from radical mastectomy to modified
radical mastectomy. Skin-sparing mastectomy
(SSM) is the latest evolution in surgical management
of breast cancer [3]. Although oncologically
sound, the greatest asset of SSM is the
tremendous advantage it provides for the reconstructive
surgeon as it preserves the intact skin
envelope of the breast, thereby reducing the size
of the mastectomy scar [4,5]. Greater skin conservation
allows the surgeon to combine resection
and authentic reconstruction of the breast
within its anatomical boundaries, without compromising
the oncological safety of mastectomy
[6]. The neo-breast can be reconstructed using
prosthesis alone, the patient's own tissues or a
combination of both. The final decision of the
type of reconstruction should be made by the
patient herself [7], after counseling the reconstructive
surgeon for the options available, an