Before and after bilateral delayed nipple and areola reconstructions following bilateral DIEP flap reconstructions in a 54 year old breast cancer survivor.
Her nipples were reconstructed using the modified star flap technique, where a three-pronged star is created from the breast reconstruction skin and subcutaneous fat. Medical tattoo is performed either at the same time as the nipple reconstruction or 3-6 months afterwards to complete the reconstruction.
Nipple and areola reconstructions can be performed in the office under local anesthesia as a stand-alone procedure, or can be combined with second-stage procedures such as fat grafting or scar revisions.
Follow up photos are shown three years postoperatively. The tattoo fades subtly over time and may require re-tattoo years later.
Additional tattoo touchups can be performed as needed in the office under local anesthesia, or 3D tattoo by a professional tattoo artist who specializes in nipple and areola tattoos can add additional depth and structure to the appearance of her areolas.
*All photos are actual patient photographs and are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results may vary.
