Nipple Areola Complex Reconstruction With the "Half-Dome" Technique Following Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction. Issue 6 (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Wendy; Fishman, Jordan E.; de la Cruz, Carolyn
• Is Part Of: Annals of plastic surgery. Volume 82:Issue 6(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: breast reconstruction -- nipple reconstruction; Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; 617.95205
• DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000001797
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-7043

Abstract

Abstract : Background: No single technique for nipple areola reconstruction best fits every patient and clinical scenario. Many techniques fail to provide long-term projection. One especially challenging cohort are those patients who have undergone bilateral implant-based reconstruction. We developed a modification of the C-V flap reconstruction that increases projection in the bilateral, implant-based reconstruction patient. Methods: All patients who underwent nipple areola reconstruction following implant-based breast reconstruction and who had at least a 12-month follow-up visit were identified. Nipple projection was measured and compared between the 2 groups. Results: Forty patients were identified. Twelve patients, 23 nipples, underwent the standard C-V flap reconstruction. Twenty-eight patients, 59 nipples, underwent the half-dome modification. Average nipple projection following the half-dome technique is more than twice that of the C-V flap. Conclusions: The half-dome technique provides a useful alternative modification of the C-V flap in patients with implant-based reconstruction.