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Unsuccessful nipple reconstruction?

Page last modified on: September 30, 2008
Question from Susan: I had nipple reconstruction done with the skin on my inner thigh. I have a pronounced areola, and it wasn't very successful. I had it done the second time with skin from the other leg and cartilage from my ear. Again, it wasn't successful. What can I do?
Answer —Carolyn Chang, M.D.: Nipple/areola reconstruction can be done two ways. One is using a graft from a separate location to either reconstruct the areola or the nipple and the areola. It would depend upon what it is that was not successful about your nipple as to what the options are. However, you can always talk to your surgeon about the possibility of using your own native skin to create the nipple and doing tattooing for the areola color. Or you might perhaps graft part of the normal nipple onto the reconstructed breast, if you still have the other breast.

On Wednesday, April 20, 2005, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Reconstruction and Safe, Sexy Cosmetics. Carolyn C. Chang, M.D., Anna-Dee Rinehart, S.C.S., and moderator Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S. answered your questions about reconstructive surgery and safe, sexy cosmetics.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Carolyn C. Chang, M.D. is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction after mastectomy, TRAM flap reconstruction, and implant reconstruction.

Anna-Dee Rinehart S.C.S. is a nurse-aesthetician, aesthetic instructor, and director of education for Austin Medical Aesthetics in Austin, Texas.

Lillie Shockney, RN., BS., M.A.S.Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S. is the administrative director of the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center.

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