Sensation-Sparing Correction of Inverted Nipples Using the 'Drawbridge' Flap Approach.

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Breast Surgery

Background:

• Inverted nipples cause significant functional and psychological distress for women.
• Restoring nipple projection while preserving lactation and sensation is the primary goal of surgical correction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the experience and outcomes of using an inferior dermal nipple-areolar interposition flap for inverted nipple correction.
• To evaluate the technique's effectiveness in restoring nipple projection, preserving lactation, and maintaining nipple sensation.

Main Methods:

• The study involved 60 patients (97 cases) with unilateral or bilateral inverted nipples.
• An inferior dermal nipple-areolar interposition flap was used, combined with selective release of lactiferous ducts.
• Follow-up periods extended up to 2 years.

Main Results:

• Excellent nipple appearance and projection were achieved, with 70-80% of initial projection maintained at 1 year.
• Nipple sensation was preserved in 100% of cases.
• Complications were minimal (stitch abscess, epidermal cyst in one patient each), with no recurrence of inversion.

Conclusions:

• The inferior dermal flap technique offers a successful approach to correcting inverted nipples.
• This method minimizes surgical morbidity by avoiding nipple traction/compression and preserving sensation and lactation potential.