Breast reconstruction - series: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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Breast reconstruction - series

Aftercare

The final step is nipple reconstruction. One method involves taking a partial graft from the remaining nipple to create a new one. In another method, the surgeron raises a small area of skin on the reconstructed breast and tattoos it at a later date. The overall results of breast reconstruction, while not perfect, are usually excellent. Nevertheless, patients should discuss their expectations with their surgeon at length prior to surgery.

Update Date: 2/26/2009

Updated by: James Lee, MD, Department of Surgery, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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