Abstract

Breast reconstruction after mastectomy is an essential part of modern cancer care, as it helps restore not only a patient’s physical appearance but also their emotional and psychological well-being. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on achieving better aesthetic outcomes and long-term functionality, rather than simply replacing lost tissue. One of the most promising approaches in this area is vascularized breast reconstruction, which focuses on using well-perfused tissue to reduce complications such as fat necrosis, delayed healing, and tissue loss due to ischemia. This method improves overall graft survival and contributes to more natural-looking results. This paper explores the current state of vascularized breast reconstruction by examining both the surgical techniques being used and the new technologies being developed to support them. It highlights major advancements in autologous flap procedures like the DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator), SIEA (Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery), and PAP (Profunda Artery Perforator) flaps, which are becoming more common because they allow for better blood flow and less donor site damage. The role of microsurgery in improving the precision and safety of these procedures is also discussed, including the growing use of surgical planning tools like 3D imaging and preoperative CT angiography. In addition to surgical innovation, the paper looks into the future of reconstruction through tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Technologies like 3D bioprinting, resorbable scaffolds, and stem-cell-based therapies are being developed to better mimic the body’s natural healing processes and encourage new blood vessel growth. These tools not only offer new possibilities for reconstruction but also address some of the limitations of traditional methods, such as implant rejection or lack of long-term durability. Lastly, this paper examines the current trends in the breast reconstruction market, pointing out which solutions are gaining popularity, what gaps still exist in patient care, and how clinical needs are driving innovation. Overall, this review aims to give a comprehensive overview of how vascularized breast reconstruction is evolving and why it is becoming central to postmastectomy treatment.

Keywords

breast reconstruction, mastectomy, vascularized reconstruction, autologous flap, microsurgery, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, 3D bioprinting, stemcell therapy, resorbable scaffolds, CT angiography, implant rejection, surgical planning, accessibility