Nipple-areola complex reconstruction

The reconstruction of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) is the reconstructive procedure used in patients who have undergone a non-nipple-sparing mastectomy and, in general, in all the patients who need the reconstruction or creation of the nipple for traumatic damage or congenital absence/malformation. Several methods for the reconstruction of the nipple-areola complex were described. The nipple can be reconstructed using a local flap, a local flap of material with a grafting autologous/allogeneic/synthetic inside, a skin graft, or a subdermal pocket with grafted material inside. The areola can be reconstructed using skin graft from hyperpigmented areas or tattoo. The prosthesis (internal or external) and the three-dimensional tattoo allow the reconstruction of the NAC in one time and with a single method.