Use of lyophilized allogeneic costal cartilage: is it effective to maintain the projection of the reconstructed nipple?

Abstract

The maintenance of adequate projection is one of the most important aspects in nipple reconstruction. A total of 17 nipples were reconstructed using the modified top hat flap technique with lyophilized allogeneic costal cartilage, and patients were followed up for 1 year. Projection at 6 months and 1 year was compared with the immediate postoperative result, as well as with the results of nipples reconstructed without cartilage. After 6 months and 1 year, there were significant reductions in projection, with the average losses of 51.7% and 57.7%, respectively. There were no significant differences between groups with or without cartilage. These findings show that nipples reconstructed with lyophilized allogeneic cartilage beneath the modified top hat flap showed no benefit compared with nipples reconstructed without cartilage.