Are There Nipple Implants for Breast Reconstruction?

Nipple Reconstruction is an art and is typically performed after breast reconstruction. There are a myriad of techniques to reconstruct the nipple, including local flaps and subcutaneous cartilage placement. These techniques are surgeon dependent. In general, the nipple resumes a normal shape and size but lacks the sensation of a normal nipple.

With advancements in modern medicine and technology there are several techniques for nipple/ areola reconstruction. Consult with an EXPERIENCED board certified plastic surgeon for an evaluation and recommendation. Best wishes!

The best method of nipple reconstruction is a simple procedure which can be performed under local anesthesia using only the skin of the breast , and later tatoo for color. I routinely use a "core" of alloderm in the center and there is no grafting of skin from other parts of the body. No artificial implant works for this condition.

Nipple reconstruction is performed on the breast mound with local flaps after the implant or autologous tissue reconstruction has healed.

The best way to reconstruct a nipple is to use your own tissue to create the projection. This will give the most natural look. Some patients can supplement this with restylane to give more projection if some is lost. I usually will add a skin graft ato create the areola and tattoo it for color match to the other side. As far as shaped implants, they are not available in the USA for routine use at this time.

There are numerous ways to create a new nipple. Usually a local flap is used to create the nipple projection, often after the skin to be used and the new areola is tattooed for color as it is easier to tattoo the skin flat than when standing as the new nipple. The problem is maintaining the nipple project as it tends to shrink and flatten over time. Various materials can and have been used to augment or maintain this projection from fat grafts, dermal graft, alloderm, cartilage and even... more

The best technique for nipple reconstruction is to use the patient's own tissue as a flap (C-V flap or others). The key is over-correction, as the size will get smaller with time. Adding a small piece of alloderm or fat graft to the nipple could enhance the volume and prevent further resorption.

There are techniques for reconstructing the nipple following mastectomy. Most often, this is performed by using the local tissues from the area. On some occasions, material may be used to help augment the nipple reconstruction.

Breasts implants can restore volume and shape after mastectomy but they do not provide nipple projection. After mastectomy, the implant is placed beneath the pectoral muscle and this would blunt the ability of the implant to also give nipple projection.

While your thought of a nipple as part of the breast implant design seems sensible, I think it would prove to be more of a problem than a benefit as the movement of the implant may result in malposition of the nipple, unlike local flap techniques which allow for a customized positioning or the nipple. For more information on this and related topics see      nybreastreconstruction.com

To answer your question in regards to gel implants that are shaped like a breast, we do have shaped anatomic implants that work very nicely for breast reconstruction.   If they rotate or shift, it can lead to a very unpleasant reconstruction, hence the reason most surgeons still utilize round gel implants in reconstruction.  In regards to nipple implants, there are none to which I am aware.   Autologous/Tissue (DIEP/TRAM/Latissimus) Breast Reconstructions offer the... more

There are many techniques for creating a new nipple and areola following breast reconstruction. Your question is a good one but to date there is no implant that will give that final projection to the areola and nipple areas. The main problem with using an implant in this area would be its proximity to the skin. Erosion or exposure of the implant would be a real possibility. For now the best choice is one of the various tried and true techniques for reconstruction.