Nipple Areolar reconstruction is done at least 3 months after a reconstructed breast has been achieved.
- NAR reconstruction is done as an outpatient
- Patients may return to work in 2 weeks
- You must be off of pain medication before returning back to work
When you wake up from your surgery, you will have a bolster over your nipple graft. This bolster looks like an old fashion pin cushion. The bolster is sutured to your breast and must be kept dry. The purpose of the bolster is to hold the graft in place. You do nothing to this area until your first post-op appointment. The appointment will be 5-7 days after your surgery. Sutures around the areola will be left one week later. You will be given instructions and supplies to care for your grafted areas until your next clinic appointment. At the second post-op visit, sutures around the areola will be removed.
You may shower after the bolster is removed. No hot tubbing or baths at this time. Do not allow water from the show to directly hit the breast. The shower water may be directed on your back. You may shower with sop and water. Allow your nipples to air dry. Completely cover areola and nipple with antibiotic ointment. You may start wearing a bra.
Reconstruction of the areola is most often achieved with a full thickness skin graft. Donor sites include the following:
- The TRAM abdominal incision
- Lower abdomen
- Breast mastectomy scar
These donor sites will have a steri strip over the incision. Leave the steri strip in place until you return to clinic. Sutures used for this operative area are dissolvable. You may remove the gauze dressing after 48 hours.
For medical questions, please call:
- 812-477-6600 Evansville Office
- 812-634-6600 Jasper Office
