title: Nipple reduction using a three-dimensional Z-shaped incision technique.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Nipple hypertrophy is a seldom-discussed aesthetic problem. Many patients feel uncomfortable with it and seek for correction. However, it is difficult to reshape nipples to an actual cylindrical form with the published methods. This study presented a novel three-dimensional Z-shaped incision technique, which can not only decrease the height and diameter of a hypertrophic nipple but also narrow the nipple base without destroying its function.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 44 nipple reductions were performed for 22 women using the three-dimensional Z-shaped incision technique between July 2008 and June 2011. It consists of two circles, one quadrangle and one triangle incision lines on the top, body and base of the nipple to reduce the nipple's height, diameter and base. Bilateral nipples were designed symmetrically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 44 operated nipples in 22 healthy female patients, aged 18-42 years (mean age, 28 years) were corrected with this method. The mean follow-up period was 28 months (range, 14-48 months). A survey was also performed to evaluate long-term patient satisfaction. Our survey showed that our surgical technique was capable of producing satisfactory results. No complications such as nipple necrosis, infection or numbness occurred.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The three-dimensional Z-shaped incision technique could reduce the height and diameter and, most importantly, reduce the basal shape of all types of hypertrophic nipples to create a desired new nipple cylindrical in shape without compromising neurovascular supply and functions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Jixi Road 218, Hefei 230022, PR China. renmin1977@yahoo.com.cn
authors.forename: Min
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ren
authors.forename: Ying
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Benzhong
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy / Q000601:surgery; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D009558:Nipples / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome