• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.401-407
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• 2011

Purpose: A number of flap for nipple reconstruction have been well described in the literature. However, most of these techniques do not permit the reconstruction of a projecting nipple and all are hampered to some extent by long-term loss of nipple projection. The objective of this study is to evaluate the long-term result and clinical efficacy of nipple reconstruction using skate flap technique after breast reconstruction. Methods: A retrospective chart review was carried out on 23 patients who underwent 25 nipple reconstructions. In those patients with greater than 10 mm nipple projection, reconstruction with skate flap and full-thickness skin graft and/or tattooing was performed. Maintenance of nipple projection was then carefully assessed over one-year follow-up. The following factors were analyzed: type of breast reconstruction, type of areola reconstruction, followup period, decrease in nipple projection, complication, and whether secondary nipple reconstruction was necessary and/or performed. Results: Breast reconstructions were performed in 17 patients with free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap, 3 patients with extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap, and 3 patients with expander and implant. The mean follow-up after nipple reconstruction was 17 months. Mean loss of projection were $17.0{\pm}13.99%$, $25.0{\pm}12.70%$, $30.0{\pm}12.57%$ and $30.8{\pm}12.49%$ at 3, 6, 9 months and over one year, respectively. The greatest decrease in projection was noted in the first 3 months following surgery. Conclusion: These results indicated that nipple reconstruction with skate flap showed about 70 percent of the projection achieved over one year postoperation. Therefore, the skate flap may be a reliable method of nipple reconstruction in those patients with greater than 10 mm nipple projection.