Nipple reconstruction surgery

Image showing breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. As a result of the mastectomy, patients lose one or both of their nipples. A NAC reconstruction can be performed to recreate a nipple and areola on the reconstructed breast.
Breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. As a result of the mastectomy, patients lose one or both of their nipples. A NAC reconstruction can be performed to recreate a nipple and areola on the reconstructed breast. Image from the National Cancer Institute, photographed by Linda Bartlett.

Nipple reconstruction, specifically nipple-areola complex (NAC) reconstruction, is a procedure commonly done for patients who had part or all of their nipple removed for medical reasons.[1] For example, NAC reconstruction can apply to breast cancer patients who underwent a mastectomy, the surgical removal of a breast.[2][3] NAC reconstruction can also be applied to patients with trauma, burn injuries, and congenital or pathological abnormalities in nipple development.[4][5]

The visual appearance of the NAC, including its relative position, size, color, shape and texture, vary between individuals.[5] Hence, aesthetics is an important consideration when surgeons are reconstructing the NAC, so it can appear natural and pleasing to the patient. There are different methods to NAC reconstruction, however in general the procedure is safe and can be conducted under local anesthesia.[1][5]

  1. ^ a b Nipple Reconstruction (PDF). Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. pp. 2–4. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  2. ^ "Mastectomy". NHS. 7 April 2021. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  3. ^ Satteson ES, Brown BJ, Nahabedian MY (February 2017). "Nipple-areolar complex reconstruction and patient satisfaction: a systematic review and meta-analysis". Gland Surgery. 6 (1): 4–13. doi:10.21037/gs.2016.08.01. PMC 5293653. PMID 28210547.
  4. ^ Khoo D, Ung O, Blomberger D, Hutmacher DW (April 2019). "Nipple Reconstruction: A Regenerative Medicine Approach Using 3D-Printed Tissue Scaffolds". Tissue Engineering. Part B, Reviews. 25 (2): 126–134. doi:10.1089/ten.teb.2018.0253. PMID 30379123. S2CID 53109244.
  5. ^ a b c Nimboriboonporn A, Chuthapisith S (February 2014). "Nipple-areola complex reconstruction". Gland Surgery. 3 (1): 35–42. doi:10.3978/j.issn.2227-684X.2014.02.06. PMC 4115772. PMID 25083492.