2022 Volume 7 Issue 4 Pages 131-137
The inframammary adipofascial flap (IAF) is a Step 1 procedure in OPBCS Volume replacement. An IAF is a volume replacement technique that can be used to fill defects after relatively large partial mastectomy in the lower portion of the breast. A tongue-shaped flap of fat and fascia is lifted from the upper abdomen caudal to the inframammary fold (IMF) and inserted into the site of partial resection to reconstruct the breast mound. As patients with fatty breasts and elderly patients are at high risk of fat necrosis, it is contraindicated in such patients in principle. By carefully selecting indications and attaching the IMF caudal dermis to the flap, complications of fat necrosis are less likely to occur. This is a useful technique that does not cause additional scarring because the IAF can be lifted from the same surgical wound as partial mastectomy.
