Nipple Areola Reconstruction

Nipple reconstruction can help put the finishing touch on a reconstructed breast. There are several techniques available for reconstructing the central, protruding part of the nipple. These include:

• Using the local skin on the reconstructed breast. This method is the most popular because it provides a nipple without having to operate on another part of the patient’s body.
• Using a piece of the opposite nipple and placing it on the reconstructed breast as a graft. This is a great option in patients with large nipples.
• Using a piece of tissue from one’s labia minora or earlobe and placing it on the reconstructed breast as a graft.

The nipple reconstruction can be performed at the time of a secondary surgery (expander to implant exchange or a flap revision) or as a separate outpatient procedure, under local anesthesia.