Nipple reconstruction
A nipple reconstruction can be performed using the skin of the breast reconstruction. A pattern is cut into this skin, which is then shaped into a nipple. A dressing is left in place for a week around this. This can normally be performed as a day case procedure under local anaesthetic. The nipple is always made to project as much as possible as there is always some degree of loss of projection with time.
After a few weeks, when the nipple has fully healed the reconstructed nipple and the surrounding area that is to become the areola are tattooed in order to match the colour of the nipple-areola complex on the other breast.