nipple reconstruction
The Final Touch in Your Reconstruction Journey
After completing breast reconstruction, nipple reconstruction offers the opportunity to add a personal and aesthetic finishing touch to your new breast(s). While optional, nipple reconstruction can enhance the natural appearance of your reconstructed breast, providing a sense of completion. Dr. Yau offers a range of techniques to reconstruct the nipple and create a natural-looking result. For some patients, the option of a 3-D tattoo alone is sufficient, while others opt for both the nipple reconstruction and the tattoo for a more realistic outcome.
Nipple Reconstruction Procedure:
Customization to Suit Your Needs
Nipple reconstruction is a minor surgical procedure that typically takes about 30 minutes per nipple. It is performed under local anesthesia while the patient is awake, and is generally well tolerated with minimal discomfort.
Dr. Yau uses two primary techniques to reconstruct the nipple, both of which aim to create a realistic appearance and feel:
Local Tissue Rearrangement
In this technique, Dr. Yau uses the surrounding skin and tissue at the site of the desired nipple to create a new nipple. Small incisions are made, and the tissue is elevated and shaped into a mound that resembles a natural nipple.
Nipple-Sharing
For patients who have only undergone reconstruction on one breast and have a healthy nipple on the other, Dr. Yau can use a nipple-sharing technique. A portion of the existing nipple is transferred to the reconstructed breast, where it will develop its own blood supply and take on the appearance of a natural nipple.
After the nipple reconstruction procedure, the areola can be recreated using 3-D tattooing, providing a natural, symmetrical appearance. This tattooing typically takes place around 3 months after surgery, once the nipple has healed.
Recovery After Nipple Reconstruction:
A Quick and Comfortable Healing Process
Nipple reconstruction is an outpatient procedure, and most patients can resume their regular activities within a few days of surgery. The healing process usually takes about 2 weeks, during which time strenuous exercise should be avoided. Fortunately, most patients experience little to no pain following the procedure, especially since the reconstructed nipple is often located on an area of the breast with reduced sensation.
Once healing is complete, patients can opt for 3-D tattooing to recreate the areola color, finalizing the appearance of their reconstructed breast. This final step further enhances the overall symmetry and natural look, helping patients feel fully restored.