Outcomes and quality of life in immediate one-stage versus two-stage breast reconstructions without an acellular dermal matrix: 17-years of experience

Background Advantages of one-stage implant-based reconstructions include expedited surgery and recovery. This study aimed to investigate clinical and patient-reported outcomes in one-stage implant-based breast reconstructions without acellular dermal matrix (ADM). Methods A prospectively collected database from 2002 to 2018 was retrospectively reviewed. One-stage and two-stage groups were compared for demographics, implant properties, early complications (hematoma, seroma, poor wound healing, implant removal), late complications (skin necrosis, capsular contracture, implant exposure, implant rupture), revision procedures, and Breast-Q questionnaire outcomes. Results A total of 223 patients, 187 one-stage (84%) and 36 two-stage (16%) patients were recruited. At a mean follow-up of 124.9 and 92.5 months, respectively (p < .01), there were no differences in early (p = .85) or late (p = .23) complications or revision procedures (p = .12). Eighty patients (36%) returned the Breast-Q questionnaire (60 one-stage, 20 two-stage patients). There were no statistical differences in patient reported outcomes in breast well-being (p = .07), psychosocial well-being (p = .84), or sexual well-being (p = .78). Conclusions One-stage implant-based breast reconstruction without an ADM is a viable reconstruction providing comparable outcomes to two-stage procedures, with the benefit of minimal complications, a shorter reconstructive journey, and satisfactory quality of life.