Long-term Result of Nipple Reconstruction Using Skate Flap after Breast Reconstruction.
- Author:
Deok Yeol KIM
1
;
Eun Sang DHONG
;
Eul Sik YOON
;
Gil Su SON
Author Information
1. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. yesanam2@korea.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Nipple reconstruction;
Skate flap;
Breast reconstruction
- MeSH:
Breast;
Female;
Follow-Up Studies;
Humans;
Mammaplasty;
Nipples;
Rectus Abdominis;
Retrospective Studies;
Skin;
Tattooing;
Transplants
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
2011;38(4):401-407
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: A number of flap for nipple reconstruction have been well described in the literature. However, most of these techniques do not permit the reconstruction of a projecting nipple and all are hampered to some extent by long-term loss of nipple projection. The objective of this study is to evaluate the long-term result and clinical efficacy of nipple reconstruction using skate flap technique after breast reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was carried out on 23 patients who underwent 25 nipple reconstructions. In those patients with greater than 10 mm nipple projection, reconstruction with skate flap and full-thickness skin graft and/or tattooing was performed. Maintenance of nipple projection was then carefully assessed over one-year follow-up. The following factors were analyzed: type of breast reconstruction, type of areola reconstruction, follow-up period, decrease in nipple projection, complication, and whether secondary nipple reconstruction was necessary and/or performed. RESULTS: Breast reconstructions were performed in 17 patients with free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap, 3 patients with extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap, and 3 patients with expander and implant. The mean follow-up after nipple reconstruction was 17 months. Mean loss of projection were 17.0 +/- 13.99%, 25.0 +/- 12.70%, 30.0 +/- 12.57% and 30.8 +/- 12.49% at 3, 6, 9 months and over one year, respectively. The greatest decrease in projection was noted in the first 3 months following surgery. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that nipple reconstruction with skate flap showed about 70 percent of the projection achieved over one year postoperation. Therefore, the skate flap may be a reliable method of nipple reconstruction in those patients with greater than 10 mm nipple projection.
