Nipple migration in a pig using the technique of serial excision

Abstract

Moving a misplaced nipple-areola complex (NAC) without causing additional scarring has proved to be difficult, especially if it is to be moved medially, laterally or inferiorly. This study investigated the possibility of migrating the NAC without leaving additional scarring by using the technique of serial excision. Two adult female pigs were used. Three pairs of pseudo-areolas of similar size were tattooed around a teat in each pig. Crescentic serial excisions of skin were undertaken at 2 weekly intervals on the upper and middle pairs of pseudo-areolas in each pig and the lower pairs were left as controls. The crescentic excision on the upper set of nipples consisted of skin only. The crescentic excision on the middle set of nipples consisted of 75% skin and 25% tattooed pseudo-areola. Results showed that nipple migration by serial excision is possible. However, each set of nipple pseudo-areola complex (NPAC) behaved differently. When skin only was excised, the NPAC's became distorted and enlarged but when skin and areola was excised, the NPAC maintained its dimensions. Taking our findings into account, an approach to moving a misplaced NAC using this technique in the clinical situation is described. Its use to move a misplaced NAC in two women is demonstrated.