The use of poly-lactic acid to improve projection of reconstructed nipple.

Authors :: Dessy LA
Troccola A
Ranno RL
Maruccia M
Alfano C
Onesti MG
Source :: Breast (Edinburgh, Scotland) [Breast] 2011 Jun; Vol. 20 (3), pp. 220-4. Date of Electronic Publication: 2010 Dec 30.
Publication Year :: 2011
Abstract: Purpose: Nipple-areola reconstruction represents an important step for final mammary reconstruction. Many techniques have been described. The drawback is the progressive nipple projection loss with time from 50% to over 70% of the initial projection. In this report, we evaluated the effect of injectable poly-lactic acid (PLLA) to improve projection of reconstructed nipples.<br />Results: We selected 12 patients with a residual nipple projection between 0.1 and 2 mm. The patients were injected locally inside the nipple with 0.5 ml of PLLA (dilution 1:4) every 4 weeks for 4 times. At the study end, patients were satisfied with results. No adverse effects were observed. After one year, an increase of nipple projection ranging from 0.5 to 3.5 mm was obtained with an average increase of 2.3 mm (282%) and this variation was statistically significant (p < 0.0001).<br />Conclusion: The use of injectable PLLA is a simple and effective procedure to improve projection of reconstructed nipple.<br /> (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)