In spite of the breast mound being there, you may not think it looks like a breast until there is a nipple and some pigmentation around it. Nipple reconstruction is usually done at a later stage following reconstruction of the breast.
The reason for the wait is to allow the swelling in the reconstructed breast to settle down and the breast mound to become supple. This allows for more accurate placement of the nipple in comparison with the opposite natural breast. If you are having any radiotherapy or chemotherapy, then the plastic surgeon will usually allow at least three months from the time of completion of this before performing the nipple reconstruction.
If you decide to have a nipple reconstruction, it’s important to be realistic about what the surgery can offer. It will restore the look, but not the feel or sensation of the nipple.
Nipple reconstruction is usually done awake, using local anaesthesia. There are two main methods of nipple reconstruction:
- Either flaps of tissue are raised up on the reconstructed breast and sutured together to make a nipple shape;
- Or a portion of the opposite nipple is transferred to the reconstructed breast. At a further separate stage a tattoo is applied of appropriate colour to mimic the areola. Some women choose to have this without nipple reconstruction. This is a simple outpatient procedure.
There is a risk the reconstructed nipple can flatten over time but the rate and amount of flattening cannot be predicted.
The results from scarring can be unfavorable, with some scars becoming thick and lumpy (hypertrophic and keloid) requiring further management. The reconstructed nipple can flatten over time and may need further surgery. Infection can result in wound breakdown which is managed with antibiotics and dressings. If anything disrupts the blood supply of the reconstructed nipple this can result in loss of the nipple.
Mr Saour will discuss the potential risks during your consultation.
| Surgery duration | 30-60 min |
| Type of anaesthesia | local anaesthetic |
| Compression/support garment | yes |
| Time in hospital | daycase |
| Time off work | < 1 week |
| Recovery time | < 1 week |
| First follow up appoinment | 1 week |
Nipple reconstruction is usually done awake, using local anaesthesia. There are two main methods of nipple reconstruction:
- Either flaps of tissue are raised up on the reconstructed breast and sutured together to make a nipple shape;
- Or a portion of the opposite nipple is transferred to the reconstructed breast. At a further separate stage a tattoo is applied of appropriate colour to mimic the areola. Some women choose to have this without nipple reconstruction. This is a simple outpatient procedure.
There is a risk the reconstructed nipple can flatten over time but the rate and amount of flattening cannot be predicted.
The results from scarring can be unfavorable, with some scars becoming thick and lumpy (hypertrophic and keloid) requiring further management. The reconstructed nipple can flatten over time and may need further surgery. Infection can result in wound breakdown which is managed with antibiotics and dressings. If anything disrupts the blood supply of the reconstructed nipple this can result in loss of the nipple.
Mr Saour will discuss the potential risks during your consultation.
Surgery duration : 30-60 min
Type of anaesthesia : local anaesthetic
Compression/support garment : yes
Time in hospital : daycase
Time off work : < 1 week
Recovery time : < 1 week
First follow up appointment : 1 week
Once you have decided you are interested in cosmetic surgery
Mr Saour’s aim is to help you look and feel your best through high quality personalised care.
You will receive all the information preoperatively allowing you to make an informed decision.
Understanding the benefits, implications and potential risks of any type of surgery is of paramount importance.
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