The lower thoracic advancement technique in breast reconstruction.

This technique, which uses local tissues, allows a modest supplementation of prethoracic skin coverage and creation of a stable, well-defined inframammary fold. With placement of a subpectoral implant, there is progressive expansion of the inferior and lateral skin coverage, resulting in progressively more natural ptotic shape. This expansion also allows subsequent increases in implant volume if appropriate. Advantages include good match of skin color and texture, confinement of donor site scarring to the relatively inconspicuous inframammary fold area, and relative ease of performance.