title: Our experience of nipple reconstruction using the C-V flap technique: 1 year evaluation.
abstract: There are several procedures available for nipple and areola reconstruction after radical mastectomy, many of them providing good results. This study presents a 1 year evaluation of nipple and areola reconstruction, using the C-V flap technique and areola tattooing. Twenty-nine patients who underwent breast reconstruction with implants in our department, between January 2006 and January 2007, were evaluated and asked to return to conduct a follow-up control. They all completed a questionnaire focusing on patient satisfaction using a 1-10 point visual scale. Nipple measurements were taken with a calliper: the average nipple projection of the reconstructed nipple after 1 year was 3.52 mm, compared to 4.96 mm for the native nipple. The fading of colour of the tattooed areola and the match with the native areola were estimated with computer software (Adobe Photoshop). The technique results were simple, reliable and safe; overall patient satisfaction with the procedure was good.
authors.affiliation: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, University of Insubria, Ospedale di Circolo, Varese, Italy. chirplas@libero.it
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Valdatta
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Montemurro
authors.forename: Federico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Tamborini
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fidanza
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gottardi
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Scamoni
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019928:Breast Implantation; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009558:Nipples / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires