The use of a silicone nipple shield as protective device in nipple reconstruction

Nipple Shield Made from a Thermoplastic with Aluminum Properties

Here, we report the preparation of a nipple shield from an inexpensive and re-formable thermoplastic with metallic properties as well as its favorable outcomes when used for patients who had undergone nipple reconstruction. The nipple shield was prepared from a material made of a mixture of a thermoplastic resin and special aluminum pellets (aluminum content, 70%). Each patient wore the nipple shield for 3 months after nipple reconstruction. The material was re-softened for re-forming into an adequate shape as required during this 3-month period. All reconstructed nipples were securely protected, with no complications (eg, ulceration, wound dehiscence, and wound infections) during the 3-month period. Also, there were no skin complications such as contact dermatitis or cellulitis in the area where the nipple shield was in contact with the skin. None of the patients stopped using the nipple shield because it came off frequently, or was uncomfortable or painful to wear, and there were no cases in which the nipple shield had to be remade due to damage. The thermoplastic material used in this study appeared to be extremely useful as a nipple protection material because of its good breathability, attributed to its nonwoven form, its low thermal conductivity and resulting cooling effect attributed to its aluminum content, its suitability for rapid re-forming, and its washability.

Guiding Nipple-Areola Complex Reconstruction: Literature Review and Proposal of a New Decision-Making Algorithm

BACKGROUND

Nipple-areola complex reconstruction (NAR) most commonly represents the finishing touch to breast reconstruction (BR). Nipple presence is particularly relevant to the patient's psyche, beyond any shadow of doubt. Many reconstructive options have been described in time. Surgery is easy, but final result is often disappointing on the long run.

METHODS

The goal of this manuscript is to analyze and classify knowledge concerning NAR techniques and the factors that influence success, and then to elaborate a practical evidence-based algorithm. Out of the 3136 available articles as of August 8th, 2020, we selected 172 manuscripts that met inclusion criteria, which we subdivided into 5 main topics of discussion, being the various NAR techniques; patient factors (including patient selection, timing and ideal position); dressings; potential complications and finally, outcomes/patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

We found 92 articles describing NAR techniques, 41 addressing patient factors (out of which 17 discussed patient selection, 14 described ideal NAC location, 10 described appropriate timing), 10 comparing dressings, 7 studying NAR complications, and 22 addressing outcomes and patient satisfaction. We elaborated a comprehensive decision-making algorithm to help narrow down the choice among NAR techniques, and choose the correct strategy according to the various scenarios, and particularly the BR technique and skin envelope.

CONCLUSIONS

No single NAR technique provides definitive results, which is why we believe there is no "end-all be-all solution". NAR must be approached as a case-by-case situation. Furthermore, despite NAR being such a widely discussed topic in scientific literature, we still found a lack of clinical trials to allow for more thorough recommendations to be elaborated.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

The Ideal Nipple Reconstruction Shield

Reconstruction of the nipple-areola complex is the culmination of a long road for patients who have suffered breast cancer. The postoperative dressing of the reconstructive nipple must protect it from mechanical forces, trauma, and infection. A broad array of dressings has been used for the reconstructed nipple. The authors propose the use of a readily available adhesive eye protector as a simple and cost-effective dressing for the reconstructed nipple-areola complex.

Modified S-Flap for Nipple Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Nipple reconstruction is an important last step in the process of autologous or implant-based breast reconstruction. A multitude of techniques have been described, among others the S-flap. To prevent nipple retraction after surgery, we modified the originally described method by Cronin.

METHODS

By adding an S-shaped incision line, the flap can be transposed with less tension and sutured on top of the new nipple along a curved line. Furthermore, two small triangular flaps were inserted at the base for reinforcement and reduced linear contraction. Assessment was completed by measuring nipple diameter and projection with a caliper.

RESULTS

A total of 16 patients underwent the technique, of whom 11 could be followed after 3 and 6 months. Overall patient satisfaction with the aesthetic result was high, and we observed no infection or necrosis. Nipples were stable in size and shape at 6 months. Although reduction of 68% in projection and 31% in diameter was observed, the nipples remained pleasantly similar to the contralateral non-operated side.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified S-flap is a simple and reliable technique for moderate-sized nipple reconstruction. By providing more tissue at the base, size and projection remain stable and durable. Moreover, by a modified linear incision line at the base, tension and subsequent scar contraction is minimal.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

A Rapid, Simple, Effective, and Inexpensive Reconstructed Nipple Flap Guard

Nipple reconstruction is a commonly performed component of breast reconstruction. A nipple reconstructed using local skin flaps requires protection from trauma. Here we describe a novel, effective, simple, rapid, inexpensive, and convenient method to protect a reconstructed nipple in the early postoperative period.

Silicone nipple shields: an innovative postoperative dressing technique after nipple reconstruction

BACKGROUND

The newly reconstructed nipple is extremely sensitive to mechanical pressure and shearing forces, which can cause flap necrosis and sloughing of the skin, eventually promoting infection. Current available dressing solutions are cumbersome, inefficient, displeasing, or otherwise not readily obtainable.

METHODS

In this study, 10 patients with newly reconstructed nipples were instructed to use breastfeeding nipple shields as the sole means of nipple dressing after the reconstruction procedure.

RESULTS

No complications were observed overall. Patients reported full adherence to the postoperative dressing regimen as well as ease of use, availability, low costs, and pleasing aesthetic appearance under garments.

DISCUSSION

Silicone breastfeeding nipple shields offer an efficient, affable, cheap, widely available, and aesthetically pleasing form of postoperative dressing for reconstructed nipples. Their use may enhance patient compliance with the dressing regimen and lower the postoperative complication rate.

Effectiveness of the Asteame Nipple Guard™ in maintaining projection following nipple reconstruction: a prospective randomised controlled trial

As the final step in breast reconstruction, nipple reconstruction is considered a minor surgical procedure. However, despite the multitude of techniques and postoperative dressings proposed, none have proven to resist the tendency of the reconstructed nipple to gradually flatten over time. A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted assessing the value of using the Asteame Nipple Guard™ compared to standard gauze dressing in maintaining nipple projection postoperatively. A total of 30 nipple reconstructions in 22 patients were included in the study with randomisation of 15 nipples to each study arm. Nipple projection was measured at various time points postoperatively with calculation of the percent changes in nipple projection. The mean decrease in long-term nipple projection at 6 months in the experimental group was 46.6% vs. 71.8% in the control group (p<0.05). In conclusion, the Nipple Guard™ helps in maintaining nipple projection postoperatively.