A Novel Method Using the Petal Pattern for Contouring a Domed Nipple in Tuberous Breasts.

Abstract

The main cause of domed nipples is increased pressure, which causes the breast tissue to herniate toward the nipple-areola complex. It appears as a characteristic of a tuberous breast rather than occurring alone, and the boundary between the nipple and areolar region is unclear. The authors present a method using petal patterns for single-stage aesthetic correction of domed nipples. The method is designed by placing the left and right corners of each petal at the desired position as the edge boundary of the nipple. The number and width of petals are adjusted so that the obtuse angle between the nipple and areola is 90 to 100 degrees. The areolar and soft tissues in the designed patterns are excised together with the skin and collected using a barbed suture in a specially designed suture technique. Surgery is completed after the skin is sutured using nylon. Case examples are presented to illustrate the appropriate candidate selection and results. Overall, the aesthetic results are positive in terms of shape and patient satisfaction. This method is useful for contouring domed nipples. This new design is simple, leaves minimal scars, and provides the surgeon with an additional option for treating tuberous breasts. It can be used alone or along with breast augmentation.