Quadruped and Dermal Bridge Flap for Nipple Reconstruction

• Published in: Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open Vol. 6; no. 9; p. e1872
• Main Authors: Fujisawa, Daisuke, Asato, Hirotaka, Suzuki, Yasutoshi, Hasegawa, Koki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Copyright The Authors. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All rights reserved 01.09.2018; Wolters Kluwer Health; Wolters Kluwer
• Subjects: Original
• ISSN: 2169-7574; 2169-7574
• DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000001872

BACKGROUND:This report describes the authorsʼ novel preferred method of nipple reconstruction over 10 years. METHODS:The procedure was used in 39 patients (unilateral 38, bilateral 1). The circle is designed as the new nipple cap. Then, 4 fan-shapes (one-quarter of the circle) are drawn so that the base portion is in contact with the circumference. These fanshapes are deepithelialized, and their linear portions are cut with full thickness of skin and elevated as dermal flaps. Then, the cross-type flap is elevated with sufficient subcutaneous fat. The two pairs of dermal flaps are sutured to each other on a diagonal line. Double-layer dermal bridge flaps sustain the base of the pocket. As a result, the cross flap becomes a birdcage-like tower. The rolled auricular cartilage is placed into the pocket. RESULTS:In one early case, the cartilage was exposed. Early postoperatively, the other three cases underwent reoperation during other procedures because the reconstructed nipple was too large or too small. The projection of the flap was designed to be 7–15 mm (average, 9.3 mm). The average follow-up period was 25.7 ± 22.0 months. The reconstructed nipple projection was maintained at 4.4 ± 2.4 mm (maintenance rate, 48.4% ± 27.0%). CONCLUSIONS:All scars were contained within the periareolar region and thus could be completely camouflaged by tattooing. The perfusion of the skin flap is stable because of sufficient circulation from quadruped pedicle. The cartilage supported by the double-layered dermal bridge flaps contributes to nipple projection. We recommend it for patients seeking nipple reconstruction.