Nipple reconstruction with the double-opposing-tab flap.
The double-opposing-tab flap, a new method of nipple reconstruction used in 50 patients to date, is described. This technique uses two dermal-fat flaps, each similar to those described by Hartrampf, but with tab extensions inspired by the skate flap of Little. The donor sites of the two flaps are closed like Burrough's triangles, bringing the flaps into opposition so that they support each other's projection. The tabs cover all the exposed fat on the nipple so that no skin graft is required on the nipple proper. The result is a nicely shaped nipple that can be designed directly over a scar, maintains a projection averaging 3.8 mm at 10 months, and is technically easy to construct.
Kroll
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Section of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
Hamilton
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D001940:Breast / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D009558:Nipples / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps