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How Can I Get Projection for Reconstructed Nipples?

asked 1 year ago by cherokee2 in Denver, CO
Latest answer by Leif Liu Rogers, MD
Question viewed 787 times
Tags: nipples, female, flatten

Prophylacti bilateral mastectomy in 2008 with nipple reconstruction using c-v flap. They are flattened. I have tried injectable filler Radiesse... with barely noticeable results. Is it possible to re-do and result in more palpable projection? I have also considered trying a product called Nipplettes, which is mostly for inverted nipples. Mine are a different situation and involve scar tissue. Thanks for any help and options.

11 answers to How Can I Get Projection for Reconstructed Nipples?

+2

Nipple Projection after Breast Reconstruction

It can be very difficult to achieve satisfactory nipple projection with implant reconstruction.  There are a few technique with which I have had success.  First, revision with a different technique can often help.  Also using dermal or cartilage graft can also improve the volume.
Leif Liu Rogers, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.leifrogersmd.com

+3

Projection of nipples after reconstruction

I have used a dermal substitute called alloderm to help give projection to my c-v flaps.  I find this to work remarkeably well in patients who have undergone tissue expansion, which will naturally thin the overlying skin.  I wish you a safe recovery.
Paul S. Gill, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+2

Projection of reconstructed nipples

You have identified one of the limitations we have in breast reconstruction with implants.  Because your mastectomy skin envelopes are thin, it is challenging to maintain the projection of your reconstructed nipple given the thinness of the remaining tissue.   I routinely add AlloDerm to my nipple reconstructions to help maintain their projection.  But I always prepare patients with implant reconstruction that your reconstructed nipples will definitely shrink down.... more
C. Bob Basu, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.basuplasticsurgery.com

+2

Breast reconstruction

Poor nipple projection can oftern be e problem in implant reconstructions. One option is to add alloderm to the nipple reconstruction to help proved additional projection.
David L. Abramson, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+2

Alloderm for nipple projection

Unfortunately, nipple projection can deteriorate over time.  I use alloderm to help increase projection for secondary nipple procedures
Vishnu Rumalla, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+2

Help for Flat Nipples after Breast Reconstruction

The C-V flap nipple  reconsrtruction technique you mentioned usually gives good results.  In your case cartilage grafts from the ear may be helpful to improve nipple projection.
Fredrick A. Valauri, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.drvalauri.com

+2

Nipple projection

It is normal to lose some degree of nipple projection over time.  I routinely use allograft (Alloderm) to give more volume and projection.  Nipple reconstruction can be revised with placement of Alloderm, cartilage or dermal fat graft to give more projection.
Sugene Kim, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.drkimplasticsurgery.com

+2

Nipple projection is difficult to maintain

I like to use C-V flaps for my nipple designs, and usually do a technique to deepithelialize (or remove the outer layer of skin) a semi-circle where I sit the nipple down against the breast, so it is less likely to retract. Using Alloderm can be helpful, although the introduction of foreign material may slightly increase the risk of infection. Also, Alloderm grafts can sometimes become exposed or extrude. Similarly, silicone nipple plugs and other foreign body devices designed to achieve... more
Tim Abou-Sayed, MD

Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon
+2

Projecting reconstructed nipples

Creating adequately projecting reconstructed nipples can be difficult. In some situations a graft (earlobes and even toes) may be used.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

Nipple augmentation

Yes, sometimes there is some atrophy of the nipple areola reconstructions. Some have tried filler and cartilage grafts in the past.  Alloderm may help as well.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

Correcting Retraction of Reconstructed Nipples

Regarding: "How Can I Get Projection for Reconstructed Nipples? Prophylactic bilateral mastectomy in 2008 with nipple reconstruction using c-v flap. They are flattened. I have tried injectable filler Radiesse... with barely noticeable results. Is it possible to re-do and result in more palpable projection? I have also considered trying a product called Nipplettes, which is mostly for inverted nipples. Mine are a different situation and involve scar tissue. Thanks for any help and optio more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

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