Postmastectomy reconstruction by a contralateral abdominomammary flap.

A new technique for breast reconstruction following mastectomy is suggested. It is based on three principles: (1) use of excess abdominal skin that is stretched upward; (2) use of skin from the healthy breast, when breast reduction or corrective ptosis is necessary; and (3) transposition of skin and excess subcutaneous tissue from the abdomen and the healthy breast, as a contralateral flap (abdominomammary flap), but with a homolateral and a heterolateral pedicle. The abdominomammary flap, adequately deepithelialized, provides material for subclavicular and axillary contouring, as well as a first, partial, or total covering of the prosthesis, while the cutaneous covering is obtained by stretching upward the thoracoabdominal skin of the affected side.