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• Breast Enlargement
• Breast Reduction
• Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
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• Male Breast (Gynaecomastia)
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Nipple Reconstruction

Nipple reconstruction can often ‘finish’ a breast reconstruction. It is not essential and some patients elect not to have it done. However, it is a minor procedure with a good cosmetic effect on the breast. It can be performed at the time of an immediate reconstruction but more commonly some months after a reconstruction is complete. There are broadly two different ways of performing this surgery. Firstly is to use small pieces of skin on the reconstructed breast and ‘wrap’ them to make a nipple (flap based nipple reconstruction). The second is to use half of the opposite nipple and transfer as a graft (like a skin graft). This is preferred when the opposite nipple is very large and is called a nipple share operation (below and right). With both techniques the areolar (coloured disc around the nipple) is then created with use of a tattoo about 8-12 weeks later.

Operation in brief

The operation is performed as a day case under local anaesthetic whether it is the flap or nipple share method.

The tattoo is done using pigments to best match your opposite nipple colour although may need repeating with time.

Nipple Reconstruction facts

Scars

The position will depend on technique used but generally are very difficult to see.

Length of surgery

15-20 minutes as a day case.

Risk

This is a low risk procedure and works well for the majority. There are some risks of bleeding or infection. The nipple can shrink over the first 6-9 months and is therefore made larger to start. The colour of the tattoo can fade and need repeating. A good but never perfect match is achievable. Occasionally the nipple reconstruction will fail.