The C-V flap for nipple reconstruction after previous skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction: refinements of donor-site closure.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The C-V flap including its modifications is very popular flap used for nipple reconstruction.

METHODS:

This report describes a refinement of the C-V flap used in nipple reconstruction for patients who previously have undergone skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction. Closure of the V flap donor sites is facilitated by means of designing two opposing advancement "areolar" skin flaps.

RESULTS:

Our modification ensures that no "dog ears" remain after the donor sites of the two V flaps are closed and that all scarring remains within the skin paddle of the neo-areola without any extensions on the mastectomy skin flaps.

CONCLUSION:

Our refinement of the closure for the donor site of the C-V flap used in nipple reconstruction produces an aesthetically pleasing result without unnecessary donor-site scar extensions on the mastectomy skin flaps.

• Authors: E Katerinaki, T Sircar, G D Sterne
• Journal: Aesthetic plastic surgery (Aesthetic Plast Surg) Vol. 35 Issue 4 Pg. 624-7 (Aug 2011) ISSN: 1432-5241 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21359991 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Breast (surgery)
• Breast Neoplasms (surgery)
• Female
• Humans
• Mammaplasty (methods)
• Mastectomy
• Nipples (surgery)
• Surgical Flaps