Free nipple graft: current indications and applications of a centenary breast surgery technique – an integrative review

Abstract

Introduction: Free nipple graft is a mammaplasty technique first described about 100 years ago. Its indication, restricted to reduction mammoplasty earlier, has been expanding into areas in mastology intervention, such as transgender and oncological surgery. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of the technique. Methods: Electronic literature search was conducted, using PubMed and LILACS databases. The search strategy consisted of the keywords, MeSH terms, and free text words and variants for the free nipple graft and its application in reduction and mammaplasty, transgender, and oncoplastic surgery. Results: A total of 397 articles were found and, after inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 were selected. Their outcomes have been shown, despite lack of standardized scores, as well as clinical trials to postulate better scientific evidence on its use and indications, that the technique, analyzed in over 1290 patients, achieved high safety rates and reproducibility. Conclusion: Aesthetics and patients satisfaction were found positive, as recommended by the authors in different studies discussed in this article.