A novel technique for nipple reduction surgery: the tripod wedge resection method

Abstract

Nipple size varies from person to person, but having a large nipple, or macrothelia, can be a concern for some women; therefore, some surgical methods have been developed for the reduction of nipple size. Conventional surgical methods for nipple reduction are classified into two types according to their purpose: reduction of length and reduction of diameter. For reduction of length, soft tissue is resected (except the central supplying vessel) and shortened by circumferential repair. The disadvantage of this method is possible necrosis of the nipple and impairment of the lactiferous duct. For reduction of diameter, a wedge-shaped resection is done from side to center and the defect is covered by a local advancement flap. The disadvantage of this method is the locally focused tension line, which is associated with unfavorable aesthetic outcomes. In this article, we present a case involving a novel method of nipple reduction surgery, referred to as the tripod wedge resection technique, which has three benefits compared to conventional nipple reduction surgery: simultaneous reduction of both length and diameter, relative safety for the vasculature and lactiferous duct, and an evenly tensioned incision line.