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Updated: May 30, 2026
Endoscopic Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomy via a Single Axillary Incision with Immediate Pre-pectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction
Published on: May 17, 2024
New nipple-sharing technique that preserves the anatomic structure of the donor nipple for breastfeeding
1Department of Plastic Surgery, International University of Health and Welfare Mita Hospital, 1-4-3 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8329, Japan. shigemi3349@yahoo.co.jp
Background:
Although nipple-sharing in unilateral breast reconstruction is no longer a new technique, it offers the potential for an excellent match with the contralateral natural nipple. It also is particularly useful for cases in which a local flap elevation for nipple reconstruction likely would lead to complications. However, the established nipple-sharing techniques cannot be applied to patients who wish to preserve breastfeeding functionality even if the technique would otherwise be considered favorable. To overcome this obstacle, the authors devised a new nipple-sharing technique that does not damage the anatomic structure of the donor nipple for breastfeeding. This report presents this new technique as an option for nipple reconstruction.
Methods:
The new technique consists of harvesting tissue by the circumcision method of nipple reduction and grafting the tissue in a spiral configuration.
Results:
The reported technique has been performed for nine patients. All the reconstructed nipples have retained their projection and their suitability as matches for the contralateral nipples throughout a maximum follow-up period of 5 years.
Conclusions:
The new technique allows nipple-sharing to be applied while preserving the anatomic structure of the donor nipple for breastfeeding.
