Abstract
Background
Nipple–areola complex reconstruction represents the final stage of breast reconstruction. It is considered one of the most important landmarks of the entire process. It is known that nipples reconstructed with local flaps slowly and inexorably flatten with time. The authors undertook this prospective study to evaluate the effectiveness of a modified arrow flap technique for nipple reconstruction.
Methods
A series of 25 consecutive nipple reconstructions were performed on post-mastectomy defects reconstructed with tissue expander and implant or autologous tissues. All patients have been followed for at least 12 months, and the involution of the nipple projection was assessed through digital caliper measuring.
Results
No immediate complications were observed. The average immediate postoperative projection was 12.9 mm. The average residual projection at 3, 6, and 12 months was 69, 47, and 35 %, respectively.
Conclusions
The modified arrow flap has proved to have an acceptable residual projection with pleasing clinical outcome. It is a reliable procedure, easy to learn, and reproduce.
Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.
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Ethical Standars
This study has been approved by the appropriate ethics committee and have therefore been performed in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments.
All persons gave their informed consent prior to their inclusion in the study.
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Carvalho, R., Vaz, M., Saraiva, L. et al. Nipple projection evolution using the modified arrow flap: prospective study on 25 consecutive nipple reconstructions. Eur J Plast Surg 37, 539–542 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-014-0987-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-014-0987-8