Nipple Reconstruction
NA
Nipple reconstruction is usually intended for women who had to lose their nipple to a mastectomy or lumpectomy, and may be performed at the time of breast reconstruction, or as a follow-up procedure. Nipple reconstruction can also benefit post-burn victims. The protruding nipple shape is often molded with a flap of skin on the reconstructed breast. For reconstruction of the areola, skin is often taken from other body parts, and then tattooed once healing is complete to match the color of the natural areola.
Time Required for Nipple Reconstruction:
It usually takes no longer than two hours to perform nipple reconstruction surgery. Time requirements can vary.
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Is Nipple Reconstruction an InPatient or OutPatient Procedure?
Outpatient.
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What are the Side Effects of Nipple Reconstruction?
Nipple reconstruction side effects can include scarring in the donor area, significantly decreased nipple sensation (although many women consider the appearance of a nipple, but no sensation, better than no nipple and no sensation).
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How Long do Nipple Reconstruction results last?
Nipple reconstruction results can be permanent, barring any complications. If tattooing was used to darken the reconstructed areola, it may require eventual touching-up, as the color will inevitably fade with time.
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What is the recovery time for Nipple Reconstruction?
Patient returns home with supportive dressings over the nipple and the donor site, and will usually continue to wear them for a week or two following surgery
Most patients can resume basic tasks about 1-2 days into the nipple reconstruction recovery period
About 1 week of rest is usually needed before returning to work
After nipple reconstruction, recovery and healing of the areola will usually take about 2 weeks
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Will my insurance company cover Nipple Reconstruction?
Because of the reconstructive nature of nipple reconstruction, insurance usually is involved.
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Is there much discomfort for Nipple Reconstruction?
Nipple reconstruction is usually performed after breast reconstruction, so the breast does not have much feeling, thus pain and discomfort is quite minimal. After the nipple reconstruction, discomfort in the skin graft donor site can be expected, as the area is likely to be tender and sore. This is easily controlled with oral pain medication.
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What types of anesthesia is necessary for Nipple Reconstruction?
The nipple reconstruction anesthesia of choice is usually local with sedation. If the procedure is being performed at the same time as breast reconstruction, general anesthesia will be used.
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What else can I combine Nipple Reconstruction with?
Nipple reconstruction is often performed as a follow up, or at the same time as, breast reconstruction. Some patients may choose to have their other breast augmented to achieve a better balance.
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What else is Nipple Reconstruction referred to as?
Nipple areolar complex reconstruction.
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It usually takes no longer than two hours to perform nipple reconstruction surgery. Time requirements can vary.
Back to the top
Is Nipple Reconstruction an InPatient or OutPatient Procedure?
Outpatient.
Back to the top
What are the Side Effects of Nipple Reconstruction?
Nipple reconstruction side effects can include scarring in the donor area, significantly decreased nipple sensation (although many women consider the appearance of a nipple, but no sensation, better than no nipple and no sensation).
Back to the top
How Long do Nipple Reconstruction results last?
Nipple reconstruction results can be permanent, barring any complications. If tattooing was used to darken the reconstructed areola, it may require eventual touching-up, as the color will inevitably fade with time.
Back to the top
What is the recovery time for Nipple Reconstruction?
Patient returns home with supportive dressings over the nipple and the donor site, and will usually continue to wear them for a week or two following surgery
Most patients can resume basic tasks about 1-2 days into the nipple reconstruction recovery period
About 1 week of rest is usually needed before returning to work
After nipple reconstruction, recovery and healing of the areola will usually take about 2 weeks
Back to the top
Will my insurance company cover Nipple Reconstruction?
Because of the reconstructive nature of nipple reconstruction, insurance usually is involved.
Back to the top
Is there much discomfort for Nipple Reconstruction?
Nipple reconstruction is usually performed after breast reconstruction, so the breast does not have much feeling, thus pain and discomfort is quite minimal. After the nipple reconstruction, discomfort in the skin graft donor site can be expected, as the area is likely to be tender and sore. This is easily controlled with oral pain medication.
Back to the top
What types of anesthesia is necessary for Nipple Reconstruction?
The nipple reconstruction anesthesia of choice is usually local with sedation. If the procedure is being performed at the same time as breast reconstruction, general anesthesia will be used.
Back to the top
What else can I combine Nipple Reconstruction with?
Nipple reconstruction is often performed as a follow up, or at the same time as, breast reconstruction. Some patients may choose to have their other breast augmented to achieve a better balance.
Back to the top
What else is Nipple Reconstruction referred to as?
Nipple areolar complex reconstruction.
Back to the top
