Nipple Reconstruction

Nipple Reconstruction – A plastic surgery procedure to recreate the nipple complex on the breast. This is generally done by free grafting skin from another area of the patient's body onto the nipple area of the breast. In order to match the color of the nipple on one or both of the nipples tattooing may be used. This procedure is usually done in the final stages of breast reconstruction.

Nipple Areolar Reconstruction

Beverly Hills - Reconstructive surgery techniques for the nipple and areola complex vary based on the desires and physical needs of each individual patient. Nipple- areola reconstruction is typically done on an outpatient basis and is performed in a hospital or accredited surgery center.

According to Dr. Corbin, a plastic surgeon with over 20 years experience with breast reconstruction surgery there are different surgery options to reconstruct the nipples and or the surrounding areola complex. "A large part of surgery success starts with surgeon/patient communication he says. Both the surgeon and the reconstructive patient must understand what can be and what can't be accomplished with plastic surgery. It is very important to take time to carefully explain the pros and cons of the different nipple reconstructive surgeries. Pre surgery education and patient evaluation is an important part of the surgery process." In addition, mastectomy scarring as well as breast skin and tissue may affect the overall reconstructive surgery result.

Dr. Fred Corbin says, "By the end of one or more surgery consultations with the reconstructive patient, it is important for me to know that my patient is comfortable,well informed and trusts me to do the reconstructive surgery procedure that will give them the best possible results." Our office likes to satisfy the emotional needs as well as the physical needs of our patients.

Patient Evaluation

Because each patient's needs and physical factors are different, Dr. Fred Corbin must evaluate the patient's thoroughly before determining the best plastic surgery technique. Some of the basic physical factors he considers in nipple reconstruction are the shape, size, nipple texture, nipple projection and where the reconstructed nipple will be placed on the reconstructed breast mound.

No patient is perfectly symmetrical. The two sides of the body are naturally different. Asymmetry is more noticeable in some patients than others and this difference can present a surgical challenge.

Unilateral Nipple Reconstruction

If the nipple reconstruction is Unilateral then Dr. Corbin has the difficult task of matching the reconstructed nipple to the natural nipple.He has to evaluate the color, skin texture, size, shape and the location on the breast mound where the reconstructed nipple and areolar will best match the other side. With a normal breast on one side, reconstructing the nipple on the other side to match and sharing a portion of the normal nipple on the other breast may work well because the color and texture will be the same. This (nipple sharing) reconstructive technique is best when the patient has a larger nipple and areolar complex.

Skin Graft Sites

Reconstructive surgery options the plastic surgeon must consider are the location of the donor site used to take the skin from that is needed to create the nipples and or areolar complex. To reconstruct the nipple or nipples, Dr. Corbin can use a local tissue flap or a graft using skin taken from another location (donor site) on the patient's body that best matches their nipple texture and or color. Some of the most commonly used donor sites are, medial inner thigh, groin area or behind the ears. The medial thighs and groin tend to have darker skin and for a lighter shape of pink the skin from behind the ear is often used by Dr. Corbin.

Bilateral Nipple Reconstruction

According to Dr. Corbin, "If a patient needs bilateral nipple reconstruction, using local tissue flaps on both sides is a good surgery option since both nipples will look similar.

FYI, flaps are moved from one location on the body to the reconstructive site with the blood supply intact, while skin grafts are removed from their own blood supply transferred to the reconstructive site on the breast mound. The free flap grafts viability depends on the growth of a new blood supply at their new site. Because the blood supply of the patient is so important in determining the final surgery result. Dr. Corbin will not perform this surgery on smokers.

The local tissue flap procedure used to reconstruct the nipples avoids donor site morbidity that can happen with the free graft technique.

According to Dr. Frederic Corbin, the scarring that can occur using a local tissue flap surgery is generally not extensive and it remains in the area around the nipple. This scarring can be touched up and easily covered by either a skin graft or tattoo to reconstruct the areola complex.

Nipple Tattooing

Nipple and areolar tattooing is a commonly used by Dr. Corbin to simply color match the nipple or nipples and areolar complex. It is performed easily, often under local anesthesia depending on the patients comfort level and has little to no down time for the reconstructive patient.. Nipple tattooing provides the patient and plastic surgeon with a minimally invasive option to color the nipples and areolar. In the past, some of the tattoo color faded with time, but with newer equipment and inks the tattooed nipples can maintain their color over time.

Nipple and areolar reconstruction are the final stage in breast reconstruction. "It is like the icing on the cake" according to Frederic Corbin M. D. Based on Dr. Corbin's 20 years of experience and surgical expertise nipple and areola reconstruction adds to patient surgery satisfaction and an overall sense of well being, confidence and femininity.

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Breast Reconstruction - Nipple Reconstruction

For a specialist in breast reconstruction in the California area, look to board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Frederick Corbin.

Dr. Corbin has been performing breast reconstruction in the Los Angeles area for over 20 years. Recognized as an expert in his field, Dr. Frederic Corbin is fully certified by the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Click for Dr. Corbin's complete profile

Dr. Corbin practices the following breast reconstruction procedures:

• Breast reconstruction - This set of procedures is done to restore the breast following its removal during a mastectomy. This is one of the most rewarding surgical procedures available today, since it enables surgeons to create a breast that closely resembles a natural breast.

For detailed information on breast reconstruction procedures click here.

Visit our Photo Gallery for breast reconstruction before and after photos or read testimonials from satisfied women who have undergone breast surgery.

For more information about breast reconstruction or other cosmetic procedures, contact Dr. Corbin or his staff at either of his Los Angeles area offices:

Beverly Hills Office
436 N. Bedford Drive, Suite 202
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Phone: (310) 284-8384

Brea Office
400 West Central Avenue, Suite 101
Brea, CA 92821
Phone: (714) 671-3033

or by email: drcorbin@thebreastexpert.com