Patient Preferences and Satisfaction of Nipple Areola Reconstruction with Three-Dimensional Tattoo in the Setting of Bilateral Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction

Abstract

Background: Patients undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer treatment can have three-dimensional nipple areola complex (NAC) tattoos as part of their reconstructive journey. The generally accepted size and position of the NAC is noted in the literature, however, patients may have different preferences. Methods: All patients undergoing NAC tattoos were given the option to pick the size of the tattoo and location on their chest. Post-procedure measurements were obtained as well as BREAST-Q surveys to examine patient satisfaction. Results: In 104 patients, average NAC tattoo diameter was 3.62 cm (±0.45), average sternal notch to nipple was 19.53 cm (±2.66) and average nipple to inframammary fold was 8.59 cm (±2.64). On multivariable analysis, areola tattoo diameter was found to be significantly larger in patients with larger size implants (P = .02), and Asian women (P = .04). On multivariable analysis, sternal notch to nipple was significantly greater in patients with higher BMI (P = .04). In patients with pre-operative photos for comparison, post-tattoo size and position of the NAC reconstruction, was significantly smaller and higher on the chest compared to their pre-operative values with an average NAC diameter of 3.60 cm (±0.46) (P < .001), sternal notch to nipple of 19.45 cm (±2.87) (P < .001), and nipple to inframammary fold of 8.89 cm (±2.80) (P < .001). Sexual well-being significantly improved with an average score of 53 (±25) after micropigmentation. Conclusions: This study shows women prefer small areola size with a higher position compared to classic values, and these values may be influenced by race, BMI and implant size. Additionally, sexual well-being is improved after NAC reconstruction.