Influence of Flap Thickness on Nipple Projection After Nipple Reconstruction Using a Modified Star Flap

摘要

Background In nipple reconstruction, the width, length, and thickness of modified star flaps are concerns for long-term reconstructed nipple projection. However, the flap’s projection has not been analyzed, based on its thickness. The aim of the present study was to investigate how flap thickness in a modified star flap influences the resulting reconstructed nipple and achieves an appropriate flap width in design. Methods Sixty-three patients who underwent nipple reconstruction using a modified star flap following implant-based breast reconstruction between August 2014 and July 2016 were included in this case-controlled study. The length of laterally diverging flaps was 1.5 times their width. The thickness of each flap was measured using ultrasonography, and the average thickness was defined as the flap thickness. We investigated the correlation between the resulting reconstructed nipple and flap thickness, and the difference of the change in the reconstructed nipple projection after using a thin or thick flap. Results The average flap thickness was 3.8?±?1.7 (range 2.5–6.0) mm. There was a significant, linear correlation between the flap thickness and resulting reconstructed nipple projection ( β ?=?0.853, p ?