Skin cancers of the nipple are relatively rare. However, when they do occur, Mohs surgery for the treatment of skin cancer can remove all or some of the nipple. Because the nipple is a 3-dimensional structure, reconstructing it can be a challenge for the surgeon. One way to reconstruct the nipple is using a tissue flap, which borrows skin next to the site of the surgery to recreate the structure of the nipple.
One particular way that nipple reconstruction can be achieved is through the “C-V transposition flap”. The flap is designed to best maintain the direction and height of the nipple to the other side. The skin flap is made in the shape of a C and two Vs, and these shapes are sutured together to for the walls and the top of the reconstructed nipple.
Patient satisfaction is usually very high after reconstruction. This type of flap is used by dermatologic surgeons and plastic surgeons alike, and can create very good reconstructive results following Mohs surgery for the treatment of skin cancer.
Contact Dr. Charles Vainder or any of SBC’s Board Certified providers to answer any questions you may have.