Nipple Reconstruction with the C-V Flap-A Long Term Evaluation

Abstract

There are numerous procedure developed in the history for nipple reconstruction with no universal favorite. This study presents a long follow-up data for nipple reconstruction using the C-V flap technique. Ten patients underwent unilateral breast reconstruction after mastectomy were involved in this study. The average age was 47.3. All these patients received nipple reconstruction using C-V flap 3 to 6 months after flap reconstruction. Tattooing of the nipple-areola complex was performed 6 to 8 weeks after nipple reconstruction. The nipple height was measured with a caliper. Each patient completed a questionnaire which focus on her satisfaction with nipple projection, sensation, and overall satisfaction on the nipple reconstruction process. The categories were scored using a visual analogue scale. The average follow-up time was 17.6 months. Overall patient satisfaction with the procedure was 80. Average nipple projection of the reconstructed nipple was 3.55 mm. Long term follow-up does reveal a great deal loss in nipple projection (up to 50%) with the C-V flap technique. However, the overall patient satisfaction at 17.6 months is good.