Immediate Nipple Reconstruction in Skin-sparing Mastectomy with A Modified Wise-pattern Design

Abstract

Summary: This article discusses a novel approach to immediate nipple reconstruction during skin-sparing mastectomy with Wise-pattern design, a common procedure in direct-to-implant breast reconstruction. Traditionally, nipple reconstruction is performed as a second procedure, incurring additional costs and potential complications. This novel technique involves a simple modification to the Wise-pattern flap during the initial mastectomy, allowing for one-step reconstruction. The procedure includes preoperative markings of the Wise-pattern design, with a U-shaped flap added at the top angle to create the nipple position. This U-shaped flap, containing both skin and subcutaneous tissue, is then folded over itself and sutured, resulting in an inverted T-shaped incision with the reconstructed nipple at the apex. This article emphasizes the avoidance of a secondary operation for nipple reconstruction, avoiding additional costs and potential complications associated with flap loss, especially in postradiation patients. The technique was applied to five consecutive cases, with patient satisfaction reported as very high. Follow-up at 6 months showed no venous congestion or flap loss, and in patients without adjuvant radiation, the reconstructed nipple maintained almost all its initial postoperative height. Minor loss of nipple protrusion over time was comparable to traditional nipple reconstruction (eg, skate flap), and the construction of the new nipple required only an average of 10 extra minutes. Although larger-scale studies are needed for a comprehensive evaluation, the preliminary results suggest promising outcomes and encourage larger-scale safety and outcomes studies of this technique in Wise-pattern skin-sparing reconstructions.