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Nipple Reconstruction Using the Semilunar Flap and Omega-shaped Acellular Dermal Matrix Strut

  • Original Article
  • Breast Surgery
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Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Various operative methods exist for nipple reconstruction. Selection of an appropriate skin flap and core strut material is imperative in achieving a satisfactory outcome in nipple reconstruction. Long-term maintenance of nipple projection requires further investigation by surgeons. We propose a new technique that uses a semilunar flap and omega-shaped acellular dermal matrix (ADM).

Methods

Total 53 nipples were reconstructed by this method. An omega-shaped ADM strut was inserted into the barrel made by a semilunar flap. The footplates of omega-shaped ADM struts were spread out under the subcutaneous tissue of the donor site of the semilunar flap to support the dome of the omega strut.

Results

The mean maintenance rate of nipple projection was 95.12 ± 6.30% at 3 weeks, 80.60 ± 8.93% at 3 months, and 71.70 ± 8.67% at 6 months postoperatively when compared to the projection observed in the immediate postoperative period. Thirty-five patients (66.0%) showed a maintenance rate over 70% at 6 months post operation, with most patients (94.3%) demonstrating a maintenance rate greater than 60%.

Conclusions

Our study with the omega-shaped ADM strut showed superior maintenance rates of projection when compared to other studies on that used AlloDerm® as a core strut for nipple reconstruction. Omega-shaped struts, when made with cross-linked thick ADM, supported the skin flap quite well. We propose that our method combining the semilunar flap with an omega-shaped ADM may be a good option for nipple reconstruction.

Level of Evidence IV

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Bundang CHA Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59, Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea

    Euna Hwang, Jun Young Yang, Hyun Jeong Ha & Chan Woo Kim

  2. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Well Hospital, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea

    Jang Won Lee

Authors
  1. Euna Hwang
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  2. Jun Young Yang
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  3. Hyun Jeong Ha
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  4. Chan Woo Kim
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Correspondence to Euna Hwang.

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The authors declare that they do not have any conflict of interest.

Ethical Approval

The study was performed after approval by the CHA University Bundang CHA Medical Center Internal Review Board (CHAMC 2020-02-016).

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Informed consent is not required for this type of retrospective study.

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Hwang, E., Yang, J.Y., Ha, H.J. et al. Nipple Reconstruction Using the Semilunar Flap and Omega-shaped Acellular Dermal Matrix Strut. Aesth Plast Surg 46, 152–160 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-021-02438-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-021-02438-6

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