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A New Local Flap Nipple Reconstruction Technique Using Dermal Bridge and Preoperatively Designed Tattoo
Takako Komiya1, Yoshiko Iwahira1
1Breast Surgery Clinic, Tokyo, Japan.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open
|May 17, 2017
Summary
This study shows that a clover-designed flap and tattooing technique effectively maintains nipple projection and color after breast reconstruction. The method offers a durable solution for nipple-areolar reconstruction in implant-based breast mound reconstruction.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Nipple-areolar reconstruction is the final stage of breast reconstruction.
- Local flaps and tattooing are options for bilateral reconstruction, but can lead to projection loss and color fading.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel nipple-areolar reconstruction technique using clover-designed flaps and tattooing.
- To assess the long-term projection and color maintenance of reconstructed nipples.
Main Methods:
- Nipple-areolar reconstruction was performed on 90 nipples in 64 women using clover-designed flaps and tattooing after silicone implantation.
- A dermal flap was used for nipple support, separating the nipple space and filling it with subcutaneous tissue.
Main Results:
- Nipple projection decreased from 11.3 mm postoperatively to 6.09 mm at 1 year, with a projection maintenance rate of 54.1%.
- The color of the reconstructed nipple was maintained for over a year.
Conclusions:
- The clover-designed flap and tattooing technique provides durable nipple projection and color maintenance.
- This method yields good outcomes for implant-based breast reconstruction.
