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DOI: 10.5999/aps.2018.01011
De-epithelialized dermal flap for nipple reconstruction: A modified star flap
This article was presented at the 14th Congress of Korea-Japan Congress of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery on June 3–5, 2018, in Pyeongchang, Korea.
Background Multiple approaches for nipple reconstruction exist, and none is considered superior to all others. The star flap is one of the most popular methods for nipple reconstruction, but gradual height loss is a major concern. We present a new modification of the star flap that incorporates a de-epithelialized dermal flap, along with the associated surgical results.
Methods We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent nipple reconstruction using the modified star flap method. The design was different from the conventional star flap in that the lateral wings were changed into a trapezoidal shape and de-epithelialized dermal flaps were added. The patients were followed up at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and nipple height was measured. The postoperative nipple height achieved using the modified method was compared with that obtained using the traditional method.
Results From February 2013 to June 2017, 32 patients received surgery using the modified star flap, and 18 patients who underwent nipple reconstruction before 2013 comprised the conventional method group. All patients had undergone breast reconstruction with an abdominal tissue-based flap. The mean follow-up period was 14.4 months in the modified method group and 17.3 months in the conventional method group. The mean maintenance of projection at 12 months postoperatively was 56.28%±18.58% in the modified method group, and 44.23%±14.15% in the conventional method group. This difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).
Conclusions The modified method using a de-epithelialized dermal flap provides reliable maintenance of projection in patients who have undergone abdominal tissue-based breast reconstruction.
Publication History
Received: 25 August 2018
Accepted: 29 May 2019
Article published online:
28 March 2022
© 2019. The Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License, permitting unrestricted noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/)
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