Nipple and Areola Reconstruction

Nipple and areola reconstruction is an essential step for many women who have undergone breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. This procedure can significantly enhance the natural appearance of your reconstructed breast, helping you regain confidence and a sense of wholeness. Our clinic in Franklin, TN, a short drive from Nashville, offers advanced techniques to recreate the nipple and areola, providing a finishing touch that many women find transformative.

Steps in Nipple Reconstruction

For many, the reconstruction of the nipple and areola is the final step in their breast reconstruction journey. Typically performed several months after the initial breast reconstruction, this procedure allows the breast to settle into its final shape before the nipple and areola are recreated. Although the reconstructed nipple may not have the same sensitivity as the original, the visual and emotional impact is profound, completing the overall aesthetic of the breast.

Local Flap Technique

One of the primary methods used to reconstruct the nipple is the local flap technique. This involves the following steps:

1. Designing the Flap: The surgeon outlines the location of the new nipple on the breast, often using a modified star pattern.
2. Elevating the Flaps: Small skin and underlying fat sections are lifted from the outlined area and secured with dissolvable sutures to create the nipple’s prominence.
3. Forming the Nipple: These flaps are carefully rotated and positioned to shape a natural-looking nipple.
4. Tattooing the Areola: After the nipple is formed, the areola is recreated using medical tattooing, with pigments selected to match your natural skin tone.
5. Healing and Final Adjustments: Over the following months, the nipple’s shape will settle, and any necessary touch-ups can be performed to maintain the desired appearance.

Nipple Sharing Technique

Alternatively, the nipple-sharing technique may be used for reconstruction. This method involves:

1. Preparing the Donor Nipple: A small section of the nipple from the non-cancerous breast is identified and prepared for sharing.
2. Grafting the Nipple: The donor tissue is grafted onto the reconstructed breast, creating a new, natural-looking nipple.
3. Healing the Donor Nipple: The donor nipple heals with minimal scarring and retains its function and sensation.
4. Areola Reconstruction: The areola is then recreated using medical tattooing, with pigments carefully matched to your natural coloring.
5. Final Adjustments: After healing, minor adjustments or touch-ups may be made to ensure the nipple and areola have the desired appearance.

Areola Reconstruction with Medical Tattooing

The areola is an essential aspect of the breast’s appearance, and our medical tattooing technique recreates it with precision. This procedure uses specialized pigments that match your natural skin tone, ensuring a cohesive look. It typically takes less than 30 minutes and can be performed as an outpatient procedure. Although the pigment may fade over time, touch-ups are available to maintain the color and appearance.

Our Experienced Surgeons

At our clinic, Dr. Natasha Luckey and Dr. Kristina O’Shaughnessy are experts in nipple and areola reconstruction. Both surgeons are highly qualified, with memberships in esteemed professional organizations. Their extensive experience and dedication to patient care ensure that you receive the highest quality results, helping you feel more complete and confident.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are considering nipple and areola reconstruction, we encourage you to schedule a confidential consultation with our specialists at our clinic, conveniently located near Nashville, in Franklin, TN. Contact us today at 615-628-8000 or complete our online consultation form. We are dedicated to guiding you through every step of your journey, ensuring you achieve the results you desire in a supportive and accessible environment.