[The reconstruction of the nipple-areolar]

Abstract

The reconstruction of the nipple-areolar complex is the final stage of breast reconstruction that restores the visual identity of the breast. The most common options for reshaping the areola are tattooing, total skin grafting of the inner thigh and the total skin graft taken from the contralateral areola. Nipple reconstruction solutions include duplication of contralateral nipple, local flap, total skin graft and tattoo in three-dimension. Duplication of the nipple is the technique of choice because it immediately offers optimal color, texture and projection. The areolar tattoo is the most common procedure for its simplicity and reproducibility.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Breast reconstruction; Cancer du sein; Complexe aréolo-mamelonnaire; Dermopigmentation médicale; Full thickness skin graft; Greffe de peau totale; Medical dermopigmentation; Nipple areolar complex; Reconstruction mammaire.