Nipple Reinnervation in Two-stage Alloplastic Breast Reconstruction.

Nipple Reinnervation in Two-stage Alloplastic Breast Reconstruction.

A prospective study was conducted including patients undergoing nipple-sparing mastectomy with neurotization during expander-to-implant exchange between 2021 and 2025.

The investigators conducted a prospective study including consecutive patients undergoing nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) with nipple neurotization at the time of expander-to-implant exchange between 2021 and 2025.

Inclusion criteria

• Adult female patients (≥18 years of age).
• Patients who underwent nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) with immediate tissue-expander placement.
• Patients undergoing nipple neurotization at the time of expander-to-implant exchange.
• Patients with a clinically viable nipple-areola complex (NAC) at the time of neurotization.
• Patients who underwent standardized sensory assessment of the breast/NAC preoperatively and at least one postoperative time point.
• Patients who provided informed consent for participation and postoperative sensory assessment.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients younger than 18 years of age.
• Male patients.
• Patients who underwent a mastectomy other than nipple-sparing mastectomy.
• Patients who underwent nipple neurotization at a time other than the expander-to-implant exchange.
• Patients unable to undergo standardized sensory testing or unable to reliably report sensory perception.
• Patients without adequate postoperative follow-up to perform the required sensory assessments.
• Patients who declined participation or withdrew consent.