Comparison of nipple projection with the modified double-opposing tab and star flaps.
This study compared nipple projection after nipple reconstruction (following breast mound reconstruction) with either the modified double-opposing tab flap or the star flap. Areolar reconstruction and pigmentation of the nipple were achieved with tattooing. Nipple projection for 153 nipples was measured at least 6 months after the reconstruction, when projection was believed to have become stable. Mean follow-up was 2.27 years. In the 106 nipples reconstructed with modified double-opposing tab flaps, the mean projection was 2.4292 mm, while in the 47 nipples reconstructed with star flaps, the mean projection was 1.9681 mm (p = 0.021). We conclude that although both methods are effective, the modified double-opposing tab flap has slightly more projection after approximately 2 years. It is not known, however, whether this is because of reduced flap atrophy or longer initial projection by the modified double-opposing tab flap; further studies are ongoing.
Kroll
S S
SS
Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA.
Reece
G P
GP
Miller
M J
MJ
Evans
G R
GR
Robb
G L
GL
Baldwin
B J
BJ
Wang
B G
BG
Schusterman
M A
MA
D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D009558:Nipples / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods*