What is Nipple Surgery?
Nipple reconstruction surgery entails creating skin flaps that will be placed underneath the nipple to better contour the nipple mound depending on the defect.
There are various flap techniques used during this procedure, the surgeon will determine the best course of action for the patients individual issues. These techniques are:
- C-V Flap
- Star Flap
- Skate Flap
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate would be in generally good health and have realistic expectations with the outcome. Most nipple reconstruction patients have undergone a mastectomy, however, women who suffer from damaged breast skin are not good candidates for this procedure.
How Much Does Nipple Surgery Cost?
Before any surgery can be scheduled a consultation must take place, here the surgeon will assess the patient’s needs and suggest the best procedure to achieve the required results.
Surgical cost are subject to:
- Duration of procedure
- Duration of your hospitalisation recovery
- Additional procedures required
Consultation Fee: R1000
(Estimated Price: email us)
This number includes anaesthesia and operating room fees. However, the total cost of your treatment will depend on your individual needs and goals. A number of factors will influence the final total of your procedure.
Nipple Surgery Before & After
Nipple Surgery Recovery
Nipple reconstruction surgery is a generally safe and simple procedure, with great care taken to maximize healing. In some cases a nipple flap delay procedure is recommended, this means a few weeks prior to the reconstruction surgery a nipple skin flap will be placed under local anesthesia.
Depending on the anesthesia, patients generally leave a few hours after the procedure and will require a few days downtime.
The first few days the patient will wear a nipple shield, once the shield comes off they are allowed to shower. Stitches are removed around 2 weeks post surgery. The nipple shape will be protruded and swollen but after a few weeks, it should start to resemble the results the patient discussed with the surgeon.
Complications | Risks | Side Effects | Scars
Although the surgery is generally a safe procedure, patients should be aware of the potential problems associated with the surgery. The risks and complications of nipple reconstruction surgery include the chance of infection, adverse reaction to anesthesia, and uneven nipple height.
Patients with a history of radiation treatment are more likely to have complications with healing.
Temporary Side Effects
After undergoing the surgery, the patient may feel all or none of these very normal and common side effects:
- Sore breasts
- Scars
- Bruising and swelling
- General discomfort
- Itching
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medical procedures, the risk of complications increases when proper aftercare treatment is not followed. These complications include:
- Loss of nipple sensitivity
- Progressive pain that cannot be addressed with your pain medications
- A high fever
- Strange discolouration, and or leaking
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Bleeding
- Unable to breastfeed in future
- Flattened nipples
These risks will be fully disclosed and explained by the surgeon, if at any point post surgery a patient suffers from any serious side effects – please consult your surgeon immediately.
