|
2
|
Tremp M, di Summa PG, Schaakxs D, Oranges CM, Wettstein R, Kalbermatten DF. Nipple Reconstruction After Autologous or Expander Breast Reconstruction: A Multimodal and 3-Dimensional Analysis. Aesthet Surg J 2017; 37:179-187. [PMID: 27986753 DOI: 10.1093/asj/sjw181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the influence of the underlying tissue as donor for nipple-areola complex (NAC) reconstruction. Also, there is a complete lack of knowledge about the fate of nipple volume. OBJECTIVES The goal of this retrospective, single-institution study was to analyze a case series after nipple reconstruction using a multimodal evaluation including 3-dimensional (3D) laser scanner analyses. METHODS Unilateral mastectomy patients after either expander-based or autologous breast reconstruction using the skate flap were included. NAC caliper measurement of nipple and areola size was performed. 3D laser scanner analysis (Minolta Vivid 900) was used to calculate nipple volume, measurement of nipple, and areolar projection and diameter. Sensitivity was evaluated using the Semmes Weinstein test and patient satisfaction by a visual analog scale (VAS 1-10). RESULTS A total of 10 patients were included in the expander group and 12 patients were included in the flap group. After a median follow-up period of 32 months in the expander group and 34 months in the flap group, non-contact 3D laser surface scanning revealed a difference in projection of 55 to 60% compared to the contralateral side. The contraction in all 3 dimensions led to a dramatic difference in nipple volume with 12 ± 8% (flap reconstructions) and 12 ± 7% (expander reconstructions). Sensitivity of the areola showed better values after expander-based reconstruction. Despite the significant discrepancy in nipple volume and projection as well as areolar diameter, overall patient satisfaction was acceptable (VAS 4.1 ± 3.5). CONCLUSIONS Volume assessment revealed a massive asymmetry to the intact nipple but not between expander and flap reconstructions. Although asymmetry of the areola and nipple remains, patient satisfaction is acceptable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Tremp
- Dr Tremp is a Plastic Surgeon and Attending, Dr Oranges is a Plastic Surgeon and PhD candidate, Dr Wettstein is a Plastic Surgeon and Consultant, and Prof Kalbermatten is a Plastic Surgeon and Medical Director at the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland. Dr di Summa is a Plastic Surgeon and Attending, and Dr Schaakxs is a Resident, Division of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, CHUV, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pietro G di Summa
- Dr Tremp is a Plastic Surgeon and Attending, Dr Oranges is a Plastic Surgeon and PhD candidate, Dr Wettstein is a Plastic Surgeon and Consultant, and Prof Kalbermatten is a Plastic Surgeon and Medical Director at the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland. Dr di Summa is a Plastic Surgeon and Attending, and Dr Schaakxs is a Resident, Division of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, CHUV, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Schaakxs
- Dr Tremp is a Plastic Surgeon and Attending, Dr Oranges is a Plastic Surgeon and PhD candidate, Dr Wettstein is a Plastic Surgeon and Consultant, and Prof Kalbermatten is a Plastic Surgeon and Medical Director at the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland. Dr di Summa is a Plastic Surgeon and Attending, and Dr Schaakxs is a Resident, Division of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, CHUV, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carlo M Oranges
- Dr Tremp is a Plastic Surgeon and Attending, Dr Oranges is a Plastic Surgeon and PhD candidate, Dr Wettstein is a Plastic Surgeon and Consultant, and Prof Kalbermatten is a Plastic Surgeon and Medical Director at the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland. Dr di Summa is a Plastic Surgeon and Attending, and Dr Schaakxs is a Resident, Division of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, CHUV, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Reto Wettstein
- Dr Tremp is a Plastic Surgeon and Attending, Dr Oranges is a Plastic Surgeon and PhD candidate, Dr Wettstein is a Plastic Surgeon and Consultant, and Prof Kalbermatten is a Plastic Surgeon and Medical Director at the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland. Dr di Summa is a Plastic Surgeon and Attending, and Dr Schaakxs is a Resident, Division of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, CHUV, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Daniel F Kalbermatten
- Dr Tremp is a Plastic Surgeon and Attending, Dr Oranges is a Plastic Surgeon and PhD candidate, Dr Wettstein is a Plastic Surgeon and Consultant, and Prof Kalbermatten is a Plastic Surgeon and Medical Director at the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland. Dr di Summa is a Plastic Surgeon and Attending, and Dr Schaakxs is a Resident, Division of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, CHUV, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
|
3
|
Biologic collagen cylinder with skate flap technique for nipple reconstruction. PLASTIC SURGERY INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:194087. [PMID: 25114802 PMCID: PMC4120924 DOI: 10.1155/2014/194087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Revised: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A surgical technique using local tissue skate flaps combined with cylinders made from a naturally derived biomaterial has been used effectively for nipple reconstruction. A retrospective review of patients who underwent nipple reconstruction using this technique was performed. Comorbidities and type of breast reconstruction were collected. Outcome evaluation included complications, surgical revisions, and nipple projection. There were 115 skate flap reconstructions performed in 83 patients between July 2009 and January 2013. Patients ranged from 32 to 73 years old. Average body mass index was 28.0. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (39.8%) and smoking (16.9%). After breast reconstruction, 68.7% of the patients underwent chemotherapy and 20.5% underwent radiation. Seventy-one patients had immediate breast reconstruction with expanders and 12 had delayed reconstruction. The only reported complications were extrusions (3.5%). Six nipples (5.2%) in 5 patients required surgical revision due to loss of projection; two patients had minor loss of projection but did not require surgical revision. Nipple projection at time of surgery ranged from 6 to 7 mm and average projection at 6 months was 3-5 mm. A surgical technique for nipple reconstruction using a skate flap with a graft material is described. Complications are infrequent and short-term projection measurements are encouraging.
Collapse
|