Mammary reconstruction using tissue expander and partial detachment of the pectoralis major muscle to expand the lower breast quadrants.

The techniques commonly used in breast reconstruction with tissue expanders do not provide a good definition of the lower breast quadrant. With the authors technique a better profile of the breast is achieved. Partial detachment of the pectoral muscle is performed, suturing it to the lower skin flap and thereby avoiding cranial migration of the expander. In addition a rounded shape of the lower quadrants is achieved and the expander remains in a subcutaneous position.