Background
The newly reconstructed nipple is extremely sensitive to mechanical pressure and shearing forces, which can cause flap necrosis
and sloughing of the skin, eventually promoting infection. Current available dressing solutions are cumbersome, inefficient,
displeasing, or otherwise not readily obtainable.
Methods
In this study, 10 patients with newly reconstructed nipples were instructed to use breastfeeding nipple shields as the sole
means of nipple dressing after the reconstruction procedure.
Results
No complications were observed overall. Patients reported full adherence to the postoperative dressing regimen as well as
ease of use, availability, low costs, and pleasing aesthetic appearance under garments.
Discussion
Silicone breastfeeding nipple shields offer an efficient, affable, cheap, widely available, and aesthetically pleasing form
of postoperative dressing for reconstructed nipples. Their use may enhance patient compliance with the dressing regimen and
lower the postoperative complication rate.
Keywords Nipple reconstruction - Postoperative dressing - Silicone
Oren Weissman and Ariel Tessone contributed equally to this work.