An innovative nipple reconstruction technique for minimizing postoperative scars: The teardrop flap
- Author:
Bong Gyu CHOI
1
;
Il-Kug KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Idea and Innovation
- From:Archives of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2020;26(2):84-86
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Abstract: Nipple reconstruction methods include various techniques, such as the local flap technique, free nipple grafting, and filler injection. The local flap technique can provide less donor site morbidity than a free nipple graft, but leaves an additional scar near the nipple. We present a novel method for reconstruction of the nipple using a flap located on one side of the nipple. The flap has a teardrop shape consisting of a circle and two wings folded to one side. The two wings form a pillar and cap, and the de-epithelialized tip of one wing fills the internal dead space of the new nipple. We applied this nipple reconstruction technique in the case of a 61-year-old patient who had a vertical scar due to inverted-T reduction mammoplasty. The patient had lost her nipple in previous breastconserving surgery. The immediate postoperative nipple projection was 10 mm. At the 7-month follow-up visit, the nipple projection was 7.5 mm. The teardrop flap is an innovative technique that leaves no additional scar by using the scar already present on one side of the nipple.
