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Silicone Nipple Shields: An Innovative Postoperative Dressing Technique After Nipple Reconstruction

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Abstract

Background

The newly reconstructed nipple is extremely sensitive to mechanical pressure and shearing forces, which can cause flap necrosis and sloughing of the skin, eventually promoting infection. Current available dressing solutions are cumbersome, inefficient, displeasing, or otherwise not readily obtainable.

Methods

In this study, 10 patients with newly reconstructed nipples were instructed to use breastfeeding nipple shields as the sole means of nipple dressing after the reconstruction procedure.

Results

No complications were observed overall. Patients reported full adherence to the postoperative dressing regimen as well as ease of use, availability, low costs, and pleasing aesthetic appearance under garments.

Discussion

Silicone breastfeeding nipple shields offer an efficient, affable, cheap, widely available, and aesthetically pleasing form of postoperative dressing for reconstructed nipples. Their use may enhance patient compliance with the dressing regimen and lower the postoperative complication rate.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel

    Oren Weissman, Ariel Tessone, Alon Liran, Demetris Stavrou, Nimrod Farber, Arie Orenstein, Josef Haik & Eyal Winkler

Authors
  1. Oren Weissman
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  2. Ariel Tessone
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  3. Alon Liran
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  4. Demetris Stavrou
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  5. Nimrod Farber
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  6. Arie Orenstein
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  7. Josef Haik
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  8. Eyal Winkler
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Oren Weissman.

Additional information

Oren Weissman and Ariel Tessone contributed equally to this work.

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Weissman, O., Tessone, A., Liran, A. et al. Silicone Nipple Shields: An Innovative Postoperative Dressing Technique After Nipple Reconstruction. Aesth Plast Surg 34, 48–51 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-009-9426-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-009-9426-9

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