Custom-made nipple prosthesis: a long-term satisfaction survey

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Nipple-areola reconstruction is the final stage of breast reconstruction.
• Custom nipple prostheses (CNP) have been available for a decade, but long-term patient satisfaction data is limited.
• This study evaluates long-term patient satisfaction with CNP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess long-term patient satisfaction with custom nipple prostheses (CNP).
• To identify factors influencing satisfaction with CNP.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for offering CNP in breast reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Anonymous postal questionnaires were sent to patients who underwent CNP between 2000 and 2001.
• Patient satisfaction with CNP size, color, and projection was assessed using a modified Likert scale.
• Data analysis included median, interquartile range, and statistical comparisons.

Main Results:

• A 56% response rate (29/52 patients) was achieved, with a median follow-up of 2 years.
• 67% of patients reported benefiting from CNP, while 39% used it regularly.
• High satisfaction scores (median 5/5) were reported for size, color, and projection. Satisfaction was higher for CNP used less than 3 years (60% vs. 18%, p=0.04) and in younger patients (p=0.031).

Conclusions:

• The majority of patients express high satisfaction with custom nipple prostheses (CNP).
• Patient satisfaction with CNP is highest within the first three years post-procedure.
• CNP should be considered for offering at the time of initial breast reconstruction surgery.