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The triple-flap nipple-reduction technique
Filipe V Basile1, Yung C Chang
1Ivo Pitanguy Institute, Department of Plastic Surgery, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|August 28, 2007
Summary
A novel triple-flap technique effectively reduces nipple size (macrothelia) in breast surgery. This method offers excellent aesthetic outcomes while preserving nipple sensitivity and erectile function, addressing limitations of previous approaches.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Aesthetic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Nipple hypertrophy, or macrothelia, is a rare condition, but minor nipple-areola disproportion is common.
- Patient desire for nipple reduction is frequent during breast surgeries.
- Existing nipple reduction techniques often present surgical challenges or drawbacks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a straightforward surgical technique for nipple reduction.
- To address both nipple height and diameter hypertrophy.
- To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of the proposed method.
Main Methods:
- A triple-flap Y-fashion technique involving nipple core excision was applied to 15 patients.
- The procedure was performed between 2001 and 2004.
- Outcomes assessed included aesthetic results, scarring, sensation, erectile function, and complications.
Main Results:
- All patients achieved good to excellent aesthetic results with minimal scarring.
- No significant complications were reported in the series.
- Nipple erectile function was preserved in all cases, a notable improvement over prior methods.
- Temporary sensory alterations were comparable to those seen in other breast reduction/augmentation procedures.
Conclusions:
- The triple-flap nipple reduction technique is feasible and effective for both height and diameter hypertrophy.
- The method yields excellent aesthetic results.
- Crucially, it preserves nipple sensibility and erectile function.
