Comparative study of aesthetic outcomes of nipple reconstruction among breast reconstruction options
Junhyeok Kim, Gyeol Yoo, Sang Oon Baek and Eun Young Rha
The Catholic University of Korea, South Korea
: J Regen Med
Abstract
Purpose: In nipple reconstruction, the maintenance of nipple projection is important. The authors compared the outcome of nipple projection among three breast reconstruction options. Methods: Between December 2015 to April 2017, 41 nipples were reconstructed using the modified C-V flap. Of total 41 patients, 6 patients underwent a transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap /deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap, 31 patients underwent an extended latissimus dorsi (LD) musculocutaneous flap and 5 patients underwent breast reconstruction with an expander/implant. Aesthetic outcome was measured using the percentage of projection loss of nipple during the posteoperative 6 months. Results: In TRAM/DIEP group, the projection loss of less than 30%, between 30% and 50% and more than 50% were 33%, 50% and 17%, respectively. In LD group, the projection loss of less than 30%, between 30% and 50% and more than 50% were 81%, 13% and 6%, respectively. In expander/implant group, the projection loss of less than 30% and that between 30% and 50% were 60% and 40%, respectively. The revision cases of nipple reconstruction were 33% and 6% in TRAM/DIEP group and LD group. Conclusion: The aesthetic outcome of the reconstructed nipple based on back skin flap was superior compared with abdominal skin flap and patients’ own breast skin. The new nipple should be designed considering shrink age in TRAP/DIEP patients
Biography
Junhyeok Kim is the chief resident of Department of Plastic Surgery, St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea. He has completed his MD from Ajou University, Korea.
E-mail: e: hyeoggy@gmail.com
