The service team Plastic and reconstructive surgery of Bellvitge University Hospital (HUB) pioneered the first reconstruction in Catalonia with a prosthesis custom nipple on a patient who had undergone a mastectomy for breast cancer. The techniques used in recent years have focused on the breast, but not the areola or nipple that can leave the physical sequelae y emotional of this disease.
In the case of the classic nipple reconstruction technique, we proceeded with the patient’s own tissue with subsequent micropigmentation which in many cases was eventually crushed with the bra.
Now this new technique minimally invasivewith Local anesthesia and of outpatient intervention, consists in the implantation of a non-porous polyethylene prosthesis customized for each patient. The permanent device is placed under the skin like a nipple button, after a period of between three and six months, micropigmentation is performed to give it color, making it look natural.
“The absence of the nipple reminds them of the disease, having this implant allows them to close the cycle of the breast cancer process and continue with their lives”
“After six months, from breast reconstruction, when it already has its final shape, you can practice the surgery. It improves the final appearance of the breasts and achieves long-lasting nipple volume, ”stressed the Dr. Anna Lopez OjedaHead of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service of the HUB.
“Each case must be assessed individually”, underlines the Dr. Cristina Varela Mas, Galician surgeon specialized in Breast Pathology with reference to the final result of each patient.
“The reconstruction is not limited to an aesthetic improvement, but the absence of the nipple reminds them of the disease. Having this implant allows them to close the cycle of the breast cancer process and continue with their lives, ”emphasizes Dr. López Ojeda.
Experts point out that the emotional factor is very important in these situations, in this sense the new device being tested at Bellvitge University Hospital improves the self-esteemthe body image and the satisfaction in the psychosocial and sexual sphere of patients. It is being studied that this intervention will eventually become part of the hospital’s service portfolio in the coming months.
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