Projection and patient satisfaction using the "Hamburger" nipple reconstruction technique

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Nipple reconstruction faces challenges in maintaining projection and patient satisfaction.
• Current favored techniques include CV and star flaps.
• The
• Hamburger
• technique, using stacked conchal cartilage, lacked long-term outcome data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate medium-term projection and patient satisfaction after nipple reconstruction using the
• Hamburger
• technique.

Main Methods:

• A review of 23 nipple reconstructions performed between 2007 and 2009.
• Utilized a standard skin pattern with 3 punch biopsies of conchal cartilage.
• Assessed projection, examined reconstructed nipples and donor sites, and collected patient questionnaires.

Main Results:

• Mean follow-up was 24 months.
• Mean nipple projection was 3.3 mm, comparable to the contralateral nipple.
• 91% of patients reported satisfaction with overall cosmesis, while 57% were satisfied with projection.
• Donor site cartilage defects were palpable, but no keloid scarring occurred; all patients found the donor site acceptable.

Conclusions:

• The
• Hamburger
• technique provides durable medium-term projection in most cases.
• High patient satisfaction is achievable, independent of perfect projection.
• Donor site morbidity is low with this technique.