Long-term results after reconstruction of the nipple-areola complex

The reconstruction of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) is an aesthetically and psychosocial important final step in breast reconstruction. While numerous publications examine the long-term results using various techniques to reconstruct the nipple, to our knowledge there have been few studies on the long-term results after areolar reconstruction. The study therefore examines the long-term results after areola reconstruction in women with autologous breast reconstruction. In the period 2014-2016 we performed NAC reconstructions in 126 patients in our clinic. The areola was reconstructed by full skin transplantation from the groin or upper eyelids. A total of 27 women with a median age of 52 +/- 8.6 years after a median period of 1.7 +/- 0.7 years were examined with regard to colour change, size change and satisfaction with the reconstruction result of the MAK. The results showed a noticeable colour fading with good satisfaction of the patients with the result. We observed an increase in the size of the neoareoles by an average of 13,9 percent with full skin from the groin and 34,6 percent with full skin from the upper eyelids. Patients should be informed preoperatively of colour fading and size changes of the neo-areola.