Geometric incision design for reduction nippleplasty.
BACKGROUND
Nipple hypertrophy is a frequently encountered problem in Asian women. It may be congenital or caused by hormones, breast feeding, or gestation. The hypertrophy has been linked primarily to aesthetics. The nipples of Asian women usually are 6-10 mm in diameter and 5-8 mm in height, and women with nipples larger than 1.5 cm in diameter or height frequently ask for reduction nippleplasty.


METHODS
Women with nipple hypertrophy seeking reductive surgery at the authors' hospital between 2004 and 2009 were considered for nippleplasty. A new design consisting of three dermal flaps and sparing of the central column was used. This design can reduce the diameter, height, and most importantly, the basal shape of the nipple without compromising neurovascular supply and functions.


RESULTS
During the aforementioned period, 86 nipples of 43 patients were corrected with this method. All the patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results, preserved lactation, and sensory function. No major complications such as necrosis, infection, or numbness of the nipple occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
This reduction nippleplasty method can be applied for all types of nipple hypertrophy to create a new nipple of the desired height and diameter without significant complications.
Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, No. 92, Section 2, Chung-Shan North Road, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC. huang42@ms2.mmh.org.tw
Wen-Chen
WC
Huang
Chia-Meng
CM
Yu
Yao-Yuan
YY
Chang
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy / Q000601:surgery; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009558:Nipples / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*