Skip to main content

Nipple Reconstruction Using a Two-Step Purse Suture Technique

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Nipple-Areolar Complex Reconstruction

Abstract

Many options exist for the creation of a nipple-areola complex following oncologic resection or trauma. Techniques described utilize local flaps, autologous grafts, and non-autologous material. The formation of an aesthetic nipple-areola complex (NAC) with lasting projection remains a challenge with each method presenting unique advantages and disadvantages. Despite numerous techniques described, no single approach has emerged as the gold standard. This chapter outlines a two-step surgical technique in NAC reconstruction allowing for independent reconstruction of the nipple and areola complex. In our hands, this technique has produced lasting results for over 20 years. It maintains projection while creating a natural contour between the nipple, the areola complex, and the surrounding breast tissue.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Few JW, Marcus JR, Casas LA, Aitken ME, Redding J. Long-term predictable nipple projection following reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1999;104:1321–4.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Farhadi J, Maksvytyte GK, Schaefer DJ, Pierrer G, Scheufler O. Reconstruction of the nipple-areola complex: an update. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2006;59:40–53.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Adams WM. Labial transplant for correction of loss of the nipple. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1949;4:295–8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Guerra AB, Khoobehi K, Metzinger SE, Allen RJ. New technique for nipple areola reconstruction: arrow flap and rib cartilage graft for long-lasting nipple projection. Ann Plast Surg. 2003;50:31–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Weiss J, Herman O, Rosenberg L, Shafir R. The S nipple-areola reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1989;83:904–6.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Cronin TD, Upton J, McDonough JM. Reconstruction of the breast after mastectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1977;59:1–14.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Little JW III, Munasifi T, McCulloch DT. One-stage reconstruction of a projecting nipple: the quadrapod flap. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1983;71:126–33.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Hallock GG, Altobelli JA. Cylindrical nipple reconstruction using an H flap. Ann Plast Surg. 1993;30:23–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Thomas SV, Gellis MB, Pool R. Nipple reconstruction with a new local tissue flap. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1996;97:1053–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Cohen IK, Ward JA, Chandrasekhar B. The pinwheel flap nipple and barrier areola graft reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1986;77:995–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Kroll SS, Hamilton S. Nipple reconstruction with the double-opposing-tab flap. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1989;84:520–5.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Turgut G, Sacak B, Gorgulu T, Yesilada AK, Bas L. Nipple reconstruction with bipedicled dermal flap: a new and easy technique. Aesthet Plast Surg. 2009;33:770–3.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Rubino C, Dessy LA, Posadinu A. A modified technique for nipple reconstruction: the ‘arrow flap’. Br J Plast Surg. 2003;56:247–51.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Dolmans GH, Van de Kar AL, Van Rappard JH, Hoogbergen MM. Nipple reconstruction: the “Hammond” flap. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2008;121:353–4.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Weinfeld AB, Somia N, Codner MA. Purse-string nipple areolar reconstruction. Ann Plast Surg. 2008;61:364–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Tatlidede S, Yesilada AK, Egemen O, Bas L. A new technique in nipple reconstruction dome technique with double pedicle. Ann Plast Surg. 2008;60:141–3.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Van Laeken N, Genoway K. Nipple reconstruction using a two-step purse suture technique. Can J Plast Surg. 2011;19(2):56–9.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Krista Genoway M.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Genoway, K., Van Laeken, N. (2018). Nipple Reconstruction Using a Two-Step Purse Suture Technique. In: Shiffman, M. (eds) Nipple-Areolar Complex Reconstruction. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60925-6_54

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60925-6_54

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-60924-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-60925-6

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics