Han Gyu Cha1, Jin Geun Kwon1, Eun Key Kim2, Hwa Jeong Lee3. 1. Department of Plastic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea. 2. Department of Plastic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: ekkim_ps@amc.seoul.kr. 3. Department of Nursing, Asan Medical Center, 88, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Total breast reconstruction involves a long process consisting of mastectomy, breast reconstruction, and adjuvant therapy. For various reasons, some patients refuse the final step of nipple-areola reconstruction. Some patients have potential risk factors for poor outcome after undergoing conventional techniques. We have performed tattoo-only nipple-areola complex (NAC) reconstruction in these situations and accomplished satisfactory results for both patients and surgeons. METHODS: Ninety-five patients who underwent NAC reconstruction between October 2017 and June 2018 were included. We retrospectively evaluated the breast reconstruction timing and type, history of a secondary breast procedure or other operations, history of adjuvant therapy, reasons for performing a tattoo-only procedure, and average operative time. Overall patient satisfaction was assessed and compared. RESULTS: Twenty patients (21%) underwent tattoo-only NAC reconstruction. The main reasons for performing the tattoo-only technique were patient reluctance to undergo another operation, thin and/or tight breast skin in patients with implant-based reconstruction, radiation therapy after implant-based reconstruction, adverse chemotherapy effects, scar across the central breast mound, and smoking habit. The average time for tattooing was 29 min (range, 15-45 min). The average overall satisfaction score was 8.1 on a 10-point scale, which was significantly the highest compared with that of other techniques. CONCLUSION: The tattoo-only NAC reconstruction technique is an essential option to consider and utilize in selected patients who refuse another nipple reconstruction operation for various reasons. Moreover, tattoo-only NAC reconstruction has distinct advantages for patients with potential risk factors and poor outcome after conventional NAC reconstruction.
BACKGROUND: Total breast reconstruction involves a long process consisting of mastectomy, breast reconstruction, and adjuvant therapy. For various reasons, some patients refuse the final step of nipple-areola reconstruction. Some patients have potential risk factors for poor outcome after undergoing conventional techniques. We have performed tattoo-only nipple-areola complex (NAC) reconstruction in these situations and accomplished satisfactory results for both patients and surgeons. METHODS: Ninety-five patients who underwent NAC reconstruction between October 2017 and June 2018 were included. We retrospectively evaluated the breast reconstruction timing and type, history of a secondary breast procedure or other operations, history of adjuvant therapy, reasons for performing a tattoo-only procedure, and average operative time. Overall patient satisfaction was assessed and compared. RESULTS: Twenty patients (21%) underwent tattoo-only NAC reconstruction. The main reasons for performing the tattoo-only technique were patient reluctance to undergo another operation, thin and/or tight breast skin in patients with implant-based reconstruction, radiation therapy after implant-based reconstruction, adverse chemotherapy effects, scar across the central breast mound, and smoking habit. The average time for tattooing was 29 min (range, 15-45 min). The average overall satisfaction score was 8.1 on a 10-point scale, which was significantly the highest compared with that of other techniques. CONCLUSION: The tattoo-only NAC reconstruction technique is an essential option to consider and utilize in selected patients who refuse another nipple reconstruction operation for various reasons. Moreover, tattoo-only NAC reconstruction has distinct advantages for patients with potential risk factors and poor outcome after conventional NAC reconstruction.