SURGICAL PROCEDURES

Areola Reconstruction (Available Upon Request)

Overview

Areola reconstruction is the last stage of breast reconstructive surgery. During a mastectomy, the entire breast is removed along with the nipple. However, patients can opt for the nipple-sparing mastectomy, where the nipple is left intact.

When choosing breast reconstructive surgery, the nipple and darkened area surrounding it (areola) get redone surgically or through the process of tattooing.

Procedures

Nipple and areola reconstruction is the final procedure done to restore the appearance and symmetry of the breast. Reconstructive surgery occurs three to four months when the breast is given time to heal. The position, size, shape and colour of the nipple and areola are closely matched to the original nipple and areola.

First, skin is taken from the donor site and transferred to the breast. Then, the plastic surgeon makes the skin transfer possible by using a graft, flap or medical tattooing.

These procedures entail the following:

  • A skin graft is received from the buttocks, stomach or thigh to reshape the nipple.
  • Skin flap consists of taking tiny skin flaps from the breast to redevelop the nipple. Then, the surgeon repositions the skin to re-sculpt the nipple, and fillers help make the nipple more erect.
  • An autologous graft involves taking a portion of the healthy nipple and transferring it to the breast that needs to be reconstructed.
  • Medical tattooing is a non-surgical procedure that makes nipple and areola reconstruction possible. The surgeon can create a realistic-looking nipple and areola by using three-dimensional techniques. Treatment plans are a few weeks apart. The first session involves designing the new areola to match the natural skin colour. Afterwards, the plastic surgeon/medical tattooist adds another layer of pigment during the second session. All pigments are medically-graded mixes that help create the hue of one’s natural skin colour.

Recovery

The nipple will appear erect but will flatten after a while. A nipple protector made of plastic would be sewn over the area if a skin graft was used. Finally, the nipple protector and stitches are removed after a week of healing. Next, a surgical or sports bra is given to protect the dressings, after which the bra is removed during a post-operative exam.

FAQ

1Can I minimise the size of my areola without surgery?
Medical micro-needling is a procedure that penetrates the skin at deep levels, stimulating the secretion of elastin, collagen and melanin. As a result, the areola's colour will resemble your natural skin tone by creating more melanin.
2Are the nipples left intact after a mastectomy?
Typically, the nipples are also removed during a mastectomy. Only a nipple-sparing surgery involves leaving the nipples as is.
3Does medical tattooing last long?
Medical tattooing can last anywhere between three to five years. Touch-ups are often required in time. In the meantime, you should protect the surgical area from external elements such as the sun, water and cosmetic products.

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