Nipple reconstruction surgery is a surgical procedure that recreates a woman’s nipples and areola after a mastectomy or trauma to the breast. Plastic surgeons aim to restore the appearance, texture, and size of the nipples – usually after breast reconstruction surgery. This helps the patient regain a sense of their innate femininity and wholeness.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rahul Vemula offers nipple reconstruction plastic surgery to breast reconstruction patients in Monmouth County and surrounding New Jersey areas. The surgeon takes the time to understand your treatment journey before creating a highly individualized treatment plan to achieve your goals.

Who is a Candidate for Nipple Reconstruction?

You may be a good candidate for nipple reconstruction if:

• You have good overall health (physical and mental).
• You have decent skin elasticity.
• You are free of any medical conditions that would interfere with the recovery process.
• You are looking to regain sensation in the nipple.
• You have realistic expectations about the outcome of this procedure.

Benefits of Nipple Reconstruction

Some of the benefits of nipple reconstruction include the following:

• Improves breast symmetry to lead to a more natural aesthetic.
• Increases your self-confidence and enhances a positive body image.
• Improves sensation in the nipple

Types of Nipple Reconstruction Techniques

Dr. Vemula specializes in a number of nipple reconstruction techniques to suit the needs and preferences of different patients.

Skin graft reconstruction

This type of nipple reconstruction entails taking a skin graft from other parts of the body (such as the abdomen or inner thighs) and using it to rebuild the nipple-areola complex. Dr. Vemula typically recommends this technique when there isn’t enough tissue left on the breast to reconstruct the nipple and areola. Many patients find that skin graft nipple reconstruction provides a good match in terms of color and texture.

Skin flap reconstruction

In this type of nipple reconstruction surgery, Dr. Vemula uses breast skin to create a bump that becomes the new nipple. This is achieved by folding and sewing together skin flaps to give the nipple an elevated appearance.

Autologous graft reconstruction

This technique is sometimes preferred in situations where one of the patient’s breasts was not affected by mastectomy. The surgeon will then use a portion of the natural nipple to reconstruct the new nipple. This technique is also known as nipple sharing and it uses autologous tissues.

Medical tattooing

Nipple tattoos may sometimes be used to intensify pigmentation of the nipple-areola complex for a more natural and pleasing aesthetic. Your plastic surgeon’s tattoo specialist may alter the colors to match different skin tones and 3D nipple tattooing may also be used to give the nipple an elevated appearance.