Researchers at the University of South Florida have developed a novel dressing and method for improving nipple position and decreasing necrotic complications following Nipple Sparing Mastectomies (NSM).
The leading method in NSM reconstruction to improve precision of nipple placement is the use of high intraoperative fill volumes. High fill volume produces a more natural breast mound appearance post-operatively, however, it is more likely to lead to ischemia and loss of the nipple-areolar complex. Low intraoperative fill rates are conducive to enhanced tissue circulation and viability, however, they may lead to poor skin envelope draping and incorrect nipple placement.
The hydrocolloid bra is a specific design cut from hydrocolloid dressing that is placed over the breast after surgery, and remains in place for two weeks. The hydrocolloid dressing is then removed and the tissue expansion phase begins to accommodate implants if desired. The inverted V design of the hydrocolloid bra can be used during the expansion phase for more precise control over nipple positioning.
Our research has shown that treatment with the Hydrocolloid Bra technique, as opposed to conventional methods, reduced the odds of incorrect nipple positioning by 98%. Because it eliminates the need for intraoperative fill and ADM, our hydrocolloid bra also reduced the odds of necrotic complications by 78%. The hydrocolloid bra dressing after nipple sparing mastectomy is a safe and efficient way to achieve precise nipple placement while protecting the viability of overlying tissue.
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