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  • Title: Tattoo-only nipple-areola complex reconstruction: Another option for plastic surgeons.
    Author: Cha HG, Kwon JG, Kim EK, Lee HJ.
    Journal: J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg; 2020 Apr; 73(4):696-702. PubMed ID: 31862266.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Total breast reconstruction involves a long process consisting of mastectomy, breast reconstruction, and adjuvant therapy. For various reasons, some patients refuse the final step of nipple-areola reconstruction. Some patients have potential risk factors for poor outcome after undergoing conventional techniques. We have performed tattoo-only nipple-areola complex (NAC) reconstruction in these situations and accomplished satisfactory results for both patients and surgeons. METHODS: Ninety-five patients who underwent NAC reconstruction between October 2017 and June 2018 were included. We retrospectively evaluated the breast reconstruction timing and type, history of a secondary breast procedure or other operations, history of adjuvant therapy, reasons for performing a tattoo-only procedure, and average operative time. Overall patient satisfaction was assessed and compared. RESULTS: Twenty patients (21%) underwent tattoo-only NAC reconstruction. The main reasons for performing the tattoo-only technique were patient reluctance to undergo another operation, thin and/or tight breast skin in patients with implant-based reconstruction, radiation therapy after implant-based reconstruction, adverse chemotherapy effects, scar across the central breast mound, and smoking habit. The average time for tattooing was 29 min (range, 15-45 min). The average overall satisfaction score was 8.1 on a 10-point scale, which was significantly the highest compared with that of other techniques. CONCLUSION: The tattoo-only NAC reconstruction technique is an essential option to consider and utilize in selected patients who refuse another nipple reconstruction operation for various reasons. Moreover, tattoo-only NAC reconstruction has distinct advantages for patients with potential risk factors and poor outcome after conventional NAC reconstruction.
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