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Jing Ma, Jie Luan, Dali Mu, Qian Wang, Chunjun Liu, A Simple and Effective Way to Protect the Nipple-Areolar Complex During Operation: A Clinical Tip, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 30, Issue 3, May/June 2010, Pages 491–492, https://doi.org/10.1177/1090820X10374093
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The nipple-areolar complex is a unique and important anatomical area in breast surgery. Areolar access incisions are common1-5 because in that area, the desired plane can be dissected easily and directly. Varying degrees of injury to the nipple-areolar complex have been reported, such as dehiscence or abrasion due to implant insertion and distraction of the skin hook, especially when the diameter of the complex is less than 4 cm. Accidental cuts or burning of the complex by scalpel, electric cautery, or electric coagulation may also occur. Consequences of these injuries include loss of the entire complex, abnormal pigmentation or depigmentation, scars, asymmetry, malformation, or loss of sensation. When that happens, the nipple-areolar complex must be repaired, which can be of concern for both the surgeon and the patient, especially when the operation is a cosmetic one. As a result, sufficient care should be taken to protect the nipple-areolar complex. To date, no effective method for that has been well described in the literature. We propose a simple and effective way to protect the complex.
