Correlation of Breast Tissue Density and Body Mass Index.

Yang, Jung Hak; Lee, Taik Jong

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons 2010;37(6):732-735.
Published online November 1, 2010.

Correlation of Breast Tissue Density and Body Mass Index.

Jung Hak Yang, Taik Jong Lee

Asan Medical Center, Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. tjlee@amc.seoul.kr

Abstract

PURPOSE
In performing breast reconstruction, making symmetrical breast is still a challenge. A precise estimate of the volume of the breast specimen is necessary to reconstruct a symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing breast. This study aims at finding out the relationship with breast tissue density and body mass index designed to apply for breast reconstruction. METHODS: By using the Archimedes' principle, the authors calculated the volume of the breast specimen and drew a correlation between the density of breast specimen and BMI. From October 2002 to November 2004, this method was used on 197 patients to predict breast volume for TRAM flap reconstruction.
RESULTS
The mean density was 0.9954g/cc and had no correlation with BMI (p-value=0.069). There was no difference between denstiy of breast tissue after skin spared mastectomy and that of breast tissue after nipple spared mastectomy.
CONCLUSION
These data will be helpful to predict the needed volume for breast reconstruction.

Keywords: Breast reconstruction; Transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap; Density; Body mass index