Method to produce better areolae and nipples on reconstructed breasts.
A method to reconstruct the breast, nipple, and areola after mastectomy is described. The importance of symmetry is emphasized. A split-skin graft is used to reconstruct both (not one) areolae; this provides almost complete symmetry in terms of size, texture, and color. Ultraviolet light is used postoperatively to hyperpigment the skin-graft areolae, and the long-term appearance has been excellent. The method is quite simple, technically.
D001940:Breast / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008408:Mastectomy; D009558:Nipples / Q000601:surgery; D010858:Pigmentation; D011182:Postoperative Care; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000379:methods*; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy