Nipple-areola Reconstruction Research Articles

Iron Oxide Pigmentation of Skin Grafts without Tattooing

Traditional techniques available for nipple-areolar reconstruction following post-oncologic breast surgery have relied upon medical grade tattooing of the construct. This has required from one to several postoperative procedures to achieve the desired coloration of the nipple-areolar complex. In an effort to achieve a more streamlined reconstructive program investigation of the possibility of immediate pigmentation of areolar skin grafts at the time of nipple areolar reconstruction was performed. Full-thickness skin grafts from the dorsal surface of rats were harvested. To the wound bed a known amount of sterile iron oxide pigment was applied and grafts re-sutured into place. Post-operatively graft take was noted and full-thickness biopsies obtained for microscopic study. All skin grafts lived. Coloration of the grafts was assessed as good. Histologic evaluation showed retention of pigment in the dermal wound interface. Immediate pigmentation of skin grafts in the model of this experiment proved safe and effective suggesting application in the clinical setting is warranted.

Nipple-areolar reconstruction: a different approach to skin graft fixation and dressing.

Nipple-areolar reconstruction (NAR) is now an integral component of any type of breast reconstruction. This study presents a simple and reliable skin graft fixation and dressing technique used on 278 NARs in 221 patients from 1996 to 2000. Nipples and areolas were reconstructed with a modified skate flap and a full-thickness skin graft, respectively. Skin grafts were sutured and stented using Steri-Strips. A Tielle hydropolymer dressing with a central fenestration was used to cover the whole nipple-areolar complex. The nipple is dressed further with gauze and Microfoam tape. All nipples demonstrated 100% survival. There was one partial skin graft loss and 5% of the grafts had mild epidermolysis with eventual full reepithelialization. This dressing regime is simple and reliable in ensuring optimal skin graft take and nipple viability. It provides compression of the graft to prevent shearing and fluid accumulation, excellent absorbing capacity, a moist environment to promote wound healing, and maximal patient comfort.

Single-stage, autologous breast restoration.

The skin-sparing mastectomy, when performed with immediate reconstruction, is a major advance in breast reconstruction. Traditionally, reconstruction of the nipple-areola complex is performed as a subsequent procedure. In this study, 17 patients (mean age, 43 years; range, 35 to 53 years) underwent one-stage breast and nipple-areola reconstruction over a 21-month period. In all cases of breast reconstruction, a buried transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap was used, and all patients had a simultaneous nipple-areola complex reconstruction performed. Nine patients had a Wise keyhole pattern used and contralateral reduction performed. Four patients retained all their breast skin, and a TRAM skin island was used in another four. It has recently been shown that patients with early-stage breast cancer and peripherally sited tumors have a very low risk of nipple-areola involvement. In 10 patients with early disease and peripheral tumors, the areola was retained (as a thin full-thickness graft), but more recently, in three patients with early-stage disease, the entire nipple-areola complex was used as a thin full-thickness graft. The thin full-thickness skin graft is removed from the breast in an apple-coring fashion, so that most of the ducts are retained as part of the mastectomy specimen. (There was histological confirmation of absence of tumor in the nipples of these patients.)One-stage autologous reconstruction should be considered for all patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction. In patients with early-stage disease and peripheral tumors, the nipple-areola complex may be retained through the use of a thin full-thickness graft that is applied to a deepithelialized CV flap on the TRAM flap. This allows the best method of nipple-areola complex reconstruction: by retaining the original breast envelope, the color match and texture in the reconstruction are ideal. Patient satisfaction in this study was high. Necrosis of the mastectomy flaps impaired the cosmetic results in some patients. A large multicenter study is required to confirm the effectiveness of this procedure.

The use of Munsell colour charts in nipple–areola tattooing

Tattooing is an excellent, simple and quick option in nipple–areola reconstruction. Colour mismatch is one of the commonest problems with this procedure. Use of Munsell colour charts allows the premixing of common colours for different patient populations using pigments from various manufacturers. There are significant correlations between nipple colour and Fitzpatrick skin type and between nipple colour and parity. Three nipple–areola colours were more common than others and were found in 50% of patients; these can be premixed ready for use. Adjustment of premixed colours for individual patients can be performed prior to tattooing, speeding up the procedure. Accurate recording of colours also facilitates audit.

Skin-sparing mastectomy with staged tissue expander reconstruction using a silicone gel prosthesis and contralateral endoscopic breast augmentation.

Women with an A or B cup-size breast with no ptosis or glandular ptosis underwent a skin-sparing mastectomy through a periareolar incision. A submuscular tissue expander was placed for immediate reconstruction. The periareolar incision was closed using a modified pursestring technique. The reconstructed breast was expanded to a C cup size. The expander was removed and replaced with a silicone gel prosthesis. At the time of tissue expander removal, the contralateral breast underwent endoscopic augmentation. Nipple-areolar reconstruction was performed during a third stage to cover the mastectomy scar. Implant reconstruction of the breast frequently results in a breast mound that has greater upper breast fullness than the opposite breast. By augmenting the opposite breast, better symmetry is achieved. Burden WR. Skin-sparing mastectomy with staged tissue expander reconstruction using a silicone gel prosthesis and contralateral endoscopic breast augmentation.

One-stage immediate breast and nipple-areolar reconstruction with autologous tissue I: a preliminary report.

This preliminary report discusses 7 patients with early breast cancer (mean age, 48 years) who underwent one-stage breast reconstruction. Reconstruction was achieved using a deepithelialized transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap placed in a pocket created by a skin-sparing mastectomy. Areolar reconstruction is performed by harvesting the areola as a full-thickness graft from the mastectomy specimen, and nipple reconstruction is achieved with a CV flap (in zone II of the TRAM flap), which is deepithelialized and covered with a full-thickness graft from the areola. In all patients a contralateral reduction or mastopexy was performed. Recent evidence suggests that not all patients with early breast cancer have areolar involvement, and that certain prognostic factors can be used to predict the likelihood of tumor involvement. A number of large studies have shown that in patients with early breast cancer, when the tumor is situated more than 5 cm from the nipple-areolar complex, tumor involvement of the nipple-areolar complex is most unlikely. No patients in this study had histological evidence of nipple involvement by cancer. The aesthetic results were very satisfactory in 5 of 7 patients. One patient who developed sepsis of the TRAM flap had an unsatisfactory result. The other complications that occurred were minor and self-limiting. The advantages of single-stage breast reconstruction are financial and psychological. In addition, the patient attains homogenous nipple-areolar reconstruction. Areolar reconstruction is achieved with the best possible option--areola. This preliminary report suggests that in a select group of patients with early breast cancer, when the tumor is more than 5 cm from the nipple-areolar complex, the areola may be preserved. The aesthetic results in these patients was considered satisfactory. However, long-term studies are required to confirm the oncological safety of this technique.

Reconstruction Of The Burned Breast

Fundamental principles of management of breast burns begin with recognition and preservation of any viable breast bud tissue. Reconstruction begins when the burned breast envelope is insufficient to allow unrestricted breast development. Complete contracture release is obtained by incision or excision of the restricting burn scar and thick split-thickness grafting. Occasionally, breast mound reconstruction with regional musculocutaneous flaps or tissue expanders is necessary. Balancing procedures, such as reduction or mastopexy of an opposite unburned breast, are often helpful. After a period of 6 to 12 months of compression garments, scar management, and settling, nipple-areola reconstruction is undertaken and consists of a combination of local flaps, full-thickness grafting, or composite grafts tailored to each patient's needs. Long-term follow-up is necessary to ensure that breast development continues satisfactorily and that contractures do not recur.

Long-term follow-up of a modified Anton-Hartrampf nipple reconstruction.

This study was performed to determine the degree of shrinkage over time in nipple projection after reconstruction. Nipple-areolar reconstruction was performed using the modified Anton-Hartrampf technique, and pigmentation was achieved with tattooing. This study looked at 28 consecutive patients with nipple reconstruction performed at The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center of the Penn State Geisinger Health Systems between September 1989 and November 1993. Two patients were lost to follow-up and 3 patients died of breast cancer. Thus, 23 patients and a total of 32 nipples were investigated. Initial measurements of nipple projection were taken 2 weeks postoperatively. Patients were followed an average of 38.7 months (range, 11-66 months). Ten patients (18 nipples) had tissue expansion and implantation for breast mound reconstruction. Thirteen patients (14 nipples) had autologous breast mound reconstruction. The mean decrease in projection of the tissue expansion and implantation group was 76.7+/-9.7%. The mean decrease in projection of the autologous reconstruction group was 64.3+/-12.1%. The mean decrease in projection for the entire group was 71.3+/-21.9%. Comparison between the two groups using a two-sample t-test showed p = 0.0047. The authors concluded that there is a significant reduction in nipple projection over time using the modified Anton-Hartrampf technique regardless of the type of breast mound reconstruction. In addition, their results also indicated that nipple projection on the breast mound reconstructed with an autologous musculocutaneous flap technique achieved a better long-term outcome. This study is potentially helpful in planning the initial size of the reconstructed nipple papule to match the opposite normal nipple. Additional studies need to be performed on other types of nipple-areolar reconstruction.

Skin Sparing Mastectomy with Circumareolar Incision and Immediate TRAM and One-Stage Star Flap Nipple-Areolar Complex Reconstruction

Skin Sparing Mastectomy with Circumareolar Incision and Immediate TRAM and One-Stage Star Flap Nipple-Areolar Complex Reconstruction

The nipple guard: an alternative covering for nipple-areola reconstructions with or without skin grafts.

The nipple guard: an alternative covering for nipple-areola reconstructions with or without skin grafts.

Nipple-areola reconstruction by tattooing and nipple sharing

In a reconstructed breast the nipple-areola complex can be restored by various techniques, most of which are complicated and may leave residual scarring at the donor site. The primary intradermal tattooing and nipple sharing technique for nipple-areola reconstruction is simple and can be done under local anaesthesia. We present our experience of 31 patients who had 32 areolar reconstructions using intradermal tattooing (one patient had bilateral breast reconstruction). Seventeen patients had a nipple reconstruction by the nipple sharing technique. At follow-up of 2 months to 4 years, 4 patients have required further tattooing because of fading of the pigment and 1 patient has a gross areolar colour mismatch. There have been no nipple graft failures and the reconstructed nipples have adequate projection.

Technik der Tumorektomie bei zentraler Mammakarzinomlokalisation

Centrally located breast cancer with or without involvement of the nipple is considered to be a contraindication for breast conserving therapy by many authors. The present paper describes a mastopexy technique for immediate reconstruction after tumourectomy for this location. This technique recreates aesthestically pleasing shapely breasts with preservation of their projection. This technique is most favourable in medium ptotic breasts. Nipple-areola reconstruction is performed normally after radiotherapy. On the basis of this technique, mastectomy which has been discussed only because of the central location of the tumour, is not justified.

Improved aesthetics in breast reconstruction: modified mastectomy incision and immediate autologous tissue reconstruction.

A common detraction from the aesthetic results of breast reconstruction is the presence of a transverse mastectomy scar and the patch-like effect of the paler abdominal skin contrasting with the thoracic skin. The technique described involves a modified mastectomy approach in which the breast parenchyma and nipple are first mobilized through a periareolar incision and then removed, along with the axillary lymph nodes, through an axillary counter-incision. A de-epithelialized transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap is then used to fill the empty "skin brassiere," effectively replacing the glandular defect, and a small patch of skin is exteriorized to match the areolar defect. Excellent symmetry can be attained usually without having to manipulate the opposite breast. After nipple-areolar reconstruction, the breast looks quite normal without the usual stigmas of mastectomy. In 21 breast reconstructions performed since 1991, there has been no incidence of skin flap necrosis or local recurrence.

Secondary Shaping of the TRAM Flap

Excellent results from TRAM flap reconstruction depend on proper patient selection and proper surgical planning and execution. It is difficult to achieve perfection and completion of the reconstruction in a single operative procedure. The second stage gives the surgeon an excellent opportunity to not only perform the nipple-areola reconstruction but also to enhance the quality of the initial procedure and give the patient the best possible result as well.

The propeller flap: a one-stage procedure for nipple-areola reconstruction.

The advantages of the propeller flap combined with tattooing for nipple-areola reconstruction include the fact that it is a simple one-stage procedure, a secondary procedure after creation of the nipple-areola complex is eliminated, and a skin graft and the possibility of a skin graft and second wound are eliminated. The propeller flap technique offers the ability to produce a nipple of adequate size, good color match, and satisfactory projection over an 18-month follow-up. The preliminary results of this flap operation are promising. A long-term evaluation of this operation has begun.

Pre-Reconstruction Tattooing Eliminates the Need for Skin Grafting in Nipple Areolar Reconstruction

Tattooing the skin of the reconstructed breast as a prelude to reconstruction of the nipple provides a nipple areolar reconstruction that has a uniform color. There is no requirement for a skin graft donor site. Tedious tattooing of the nipple papule is avoided. It is much easier to tattoo a flat surface than a projecting papule, and this technique gives a more uniform color. We believe that this approach to nipple areolar reconstruction provides a simpler, dependable technique.

Nipple—Areola Reconstruction with Intradermal Tattoo and Double-Opposing Pennant Flaps

Reconstruction of the nipple-areolar complex is an important part of postmastectomy breast reconstruction. Intradermal tattooing is effective for creating areolar pigmentation and is simpler than skin grafting. However, a simple method for the construction of a normal nipple using local tissues remains a challenge. Several techniques achieve long-term nipple projection but at the expense of complicated flap design, multidirectional scars, and often a need for skin grafting to obtain a uniform-appearing areola. Our one-stage method of nipple-areola reconstruction uses intradermal tattooing for pigmentation and double-opposing pennant flaps for nipple reconstruction. The entire procedure is simple and fast, routinely performed in < 30 minutes under local anaesthesia in the office. From September 1989 to March 1992 we performed 102 reconstructions. The method produces a realistic appearing nipple. We have had no flap necrosis.

Eighty-Four Consecutive Breast Reconstructions Using a Textured Silicone Tissue Expander

Breast reconstruction utilizing smooth-surface silicone tissue expanders is associated with certain problems. Significant capsular contracture may develop around the expander with subsequent expander displacement necessitating repositioning or capsulectomy at the time of expander removal. Infection, pain on expansion, chest-wall compression, and complications related to the remote fill valve also have been reported. A textured-surface silicone expander with an integrated fill valve was developed to address these issues. Eighty-four consecutive breast reconstructions were performed by a single surgeon using textured expanders in 55 patients. Intraexpander pressures were measured during expansion for a group of these patients, and both initial and postinflation pressure readings were quite low (average initial pressure 2.88 mmHg; average postinflation pressure 12.87 mmHg). Eighty-one of the reconstructions have been completed without any expander losses and with minimal complications. Tissue expander volume averaged 580 cc, and the expansion duration averaged 5.6 months. Various types and configurations of permanent implants were used to complete the reconstructions. Eighty-four percent of our patients' completed reconstructions (including nippleareola reconstruction and opposite breast alteration, when necessary) were accomplished with just two procedures. Seventeen long-term adjustable textured-surface expander/implants with anatomic breast shape are still in place, all after only one operation. The inframmary fold has generally been established passively by the expansion process alone. Textured-surface silicone expanders have stayed where positioned, have expanded easily with minimal patient pain, and have created a noncontractile soft-tissue cover for the final implant. The textured expander with an integrated fill valve has simplified breast reconstruction by helping to limit the problems encountered with smooth silicone expanders. The resulting reconstructions have remained soft with a very acceptable aesthetic appearance. The patient office and hospital charts and photographs of this consecutive series were notarized and submitted to the Editor of this Journal, whose biostatistician randomly selected the cases illustrated.

Nipple-areola reconstruction with a custom-made silicone ectoprosthesis.

The use of a custom-made silicone ectoprosthesis of the nipple-areola complex is presented. It is suggested, after completion of breast mound reconstruction, for those women who cannot undergo or refuse to undergo any further surgical procedure, or else for the interim until the final reconstruction is performed. It is convenient to use and the aesthetic appearance is pleasing.

Technical modifications for on-site nipple-areola reconstruction.

There have been numerous techniques and refinements for nipple-areola reconstruction described that have required the use of distant donor sites. A further modification of the skate flap is described, whereby the entire reconstruction can be performed on site, thus avoiding a second scar and any subsequent morbidity. This technique is easy to perform and has all the advantages of the skate flap as described by Little.