title: Our Experiences in Nipple Reconstruction Using the Hammond flap.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Nipple reconstruction following breast mound reconstruction is the final step in breast reconstruction. Although nipple reconstruction is a simple surgery, the psychological aspects of nipple reconstruction are thought to be important. Nipple projection is a key factor in determining patient satisfaction with the surgery. In the present study, the Hammond flap technique was introduced for nipple reconstruction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-six patients who had undergone breast reconstruction from February 2008 to March 2012 were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients were evaluated based on preoperative photos, and their nipple diameters and heights were measured. Postoperative evaluation was conducted 3, 6, 9, and 12 months following nipple reconstruction. A questionnaire on patient satisfaction with the nipple reconstruction was administered 12 months after nipple reconstruction. Moreover, the same plastic surgeon scored nipple projection and overall cosmetic result of the new nipple.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean projection was 4.4 mm (range, 3-6 mm), and it well matched the contralateral nipple. Twelve months following nipple reconstruction, the mean reduction rate in the nipple projection was 43.6%. Patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the nipple projection and the overall cosmetic result in 80.7% cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the present study, compared with other techniques, the use of the Hammond flap technique in nipple reconstruction showed competitive results with regard to nipple projection and patient satisfaction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.
authors.forename: Jung Dug
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.
authors.forename: Jeong Yeop
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Ryu
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.
authors.forename: Dong Wan
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Ryu
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.
authors.forename: O Hyun
authors.initials: OH
authors.lastname: Kwon
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.
authors.forename: Sung Gun
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Bae
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.
authors.forename: Jeong Woo
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.
authors.forename: Kang Young
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.
authors.forename: Ho Yun
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.
authors.forename: Byung Chae
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Cho
keywords: Mammaplasty; Nipples; Plastic; Surgery