Silicone nipple shields: an innovative postoperative dressing technique after nipple reconstruction.
BACKGROUND
The newly reconstructed nipple is extremely sensitive to mechanical pressure and shearing forces, which can cause flap necrosis and sloughing of the skin, eventually promoting infection. Current available dressing solutions are cumbersome, inefficient, displeasing, or otherwise not readily obtainable.


METHODS
In this study, 10 patients with newly reconstructed nipples were instructed to use breastfeeding nipple shields as the sole means of nipple dressing after the reconstruction procedure.


RESULTS
No complications were observed overall. Patients reported full adherence to the postoperative dressing regimen as well as ease of use, availability, low costs, and pleasing aesthetic appearance under garments.


CONCLUSIONS
Silicone breastfeeding nipple shields offer an efficient, affable, cheap, widely available, and aesthetically pleasing form of postoperative dressing for reconstructed nipples. Their use may enhance patient compliance with the dressing regimen and lower the postoperative complication rate.
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel. orenweissman@gmail.com
Oren
O
Weissman
Ariel
A
Tessone
Alon
A
Liran
Demetris
D
Stavrou
Nimrod
N
Farber
Arie
A
Orenstein
Josef
J
Haik
Eyal
E
Winkler
D001458:Bandages; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D009558:Nipples / Q000601:surgery*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011482:Protective Devices; D012828:Silicones
D012828:Silicones