Nipple-areola complex prosthesis as a new arsenal for breast reconstruction

Abstract

Nipple and areola complex (NAC) recreating is primordial to achieve a complete breast reconstruction. Some patients would not benefit or choose to undergo surgical or tattoo NAC reconstruction. Recently, innovative NAC silicone prostheses have been developed that are applied over the skin and come in various shapes, sizes, and colors to match different NAC tones and sizes.Our prospective study aims to evaluate for the first time, to our knowledge, the safety of these prostheses and patients’ and surgeons’ satisfaction using a 30-day survey. Twenty patients using these NAC prostheses after unilateral breast reconstruction postmastectomy with NAC excision were included.All patients except one (95%) were satisfied/very satisfied with the aspect and symmetry of NAC prostheses compared with native contralateral NAC. All patients were more/much more satisfied with their body image and self-esteem using the NAC prostheses. Except for 2 (90%), no participant presented any skin reaction, infection, or erosion. Most patients (68.75%) used the prosthesis every day, and others—occasionally. All participants stated they would recommend these prostheses to other women as a temporary or definitive solution.With these promising results demonstrating a high safety and satisfaction rate, we are confident that this simple, safe, noninvasive, and cost-effective device should be proposed to all patients to improve the management of breast reconstruction and offer body integrity to patients. Health insurance should consider reimbursement for these prostheses in patients after mastectomy or with NAC deformation after trauma, surgery, or congenital.