Nerve Grafts in Breast Reconstruction: A Narrative Review

Breast reconstruction post-mastectomy restores breast aesthetics and significantly enhances patients' self-confidence and psychological well-being. However, despite the effectiveness of current breast reconstruction techniques in restoring the aesthetic appearance of the breast, many patients continue to experience the loss of breast sensation following surgery, particularly the loss of nipple sensitivity, which significantly impacts postoperative quality of life. To address this issue, the use of nerve grafting techniques in breast reconstruction is increasingly being recognized and explored. This review summarizes the research progress of nerve grafting in breast reconstruction, highlighting its clinical applications, technical challenges, and future directions.