Nipple Reconstruction with a C-V Flap Overgrafted with AlloDerm®

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONBreast reconstruction involves several steps, culminating in the creation of the nipple-areolar complex. Nonetheless, adequate maintenance of nipple projection remains a problem faced by plastic surgeons. Numerous nipple reconstruction methods have been introduced, and various materials including cartilage [1], bone [2], fat [3], dermal graft [4], and acellular dermal matrix (ADM) [5] have been used to provide stable long-term projection of the reconstructed nipple. However, reconstructed nipples lose their projection over time, leading to late-onset flattening. Losken et al. [6] reported that the loss of initial nipple projection in the C-V flap technique was less than 50% in previous studies. AlloDerm ® (LifeCell Corp., Branchburg, NJ, USA) was first employed for nipple reconstruction in 2005 by Nahabedian [5]. It was rolled and used as a filling material within the pocket made by the lateral wings of the flap. It was reported that the use of AlloDerm ® in nipple reconstruction resulted in improved long-term projection. Subsequently, several reports have been published discussing the positive role of ADM in nipple reconstruction.In this clinical study, we evaluated a new technique in which an ADM (AlloDerm Background Breast reconstruction involves several steps, culminating in the creation of the nipple-areolar complex. Numerous methods of nipple reconstruction have been attempted, and have all proven somewhat successful in providing tissue for projection. In this clinical study, we evaluated a new technique using an acellular dermal matrix (ADM; AlloDerm