title: Managing Necrosis of the Nipple Areolar Complex Following Reduction Mammaplasty and Mastopexy.
abstract: The objectives of this article are to explain the mechanisms of injury that result in ischemia of the nipple areolar complex (NAC) after reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy, to offer recommendations about the management of this complication, and to illustrate reconstructive techniques that can be used to correct deformities arising from necrosis of the NAC. With these goals in mind, the article is divided into 3 sections: prevention of ischemia of the NAC, management of the ischemic nipple, and reconstruction after ischemic necrosis of the nipple and areola. Necrosis of all or part of the NAC is a devastating complication after breast surgery. However, with properly timed and well-executed reconstructive procedures, it is possible in most cases to restore a natural-appearing NAC.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. Electronic address: nh@drhandel.com.
authors.forename: Neal
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Handel
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yegiyants
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009336:Necrosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D009558:Nipples / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Management; NAC necrosis; Prevention; Reconstruction of ischemic necrosis of NAC; Reduction mammaplasty; Reduction mastopexy