Before and after left nipple and areola reconstruction in a 66 year old breast cancer survivor. She previously had undergone a left skin sparing mastectomy and tissue expander/implant reconstruction. She never chose to have nipple and areola reconstruction since she was never happy with her outcome.
As part of a breast revision that involved implant exchange and conversion of her implants to on top of her chest muscles, we talked her into finally completing her reconstruction by making a new nipple and areola. A free nipple graft was harvested from her right breast and her left nipple was reconstructed by the “nipple sharing” technique.
The left areola was reconstructed by medical tattoo. Follow up photos are shown 6 months after surgery. The tattoo is still bright but it matches the other side, as her right areola was also tattooed to match. Her new nipple looks like it was always there!
She is very happy with her decision to have nipple and areola reconstruction once and for all. This simple detail is often the final finishing touch to breast reconstruction and can help a women not feel like a “Barbie doll” without nipples when they undress. Our patients express are very happy they finally completed their breast reconstructions.
*All photos are actual patient photographs and are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results may vary.
