THE NIPPLE GUARD

One of the most frustrating aspects of breast reconstruction surgery is that the nipple typically flattens within a couple of months, or even weeks after the nipple reconstruction surgery.  What the “flattening” means is that, although the surgeon creates a protrusion, this protrusion usually shrinks so that ultimately, only a very small protrusion or no nipple protrusion remains on the breast mound.  The nipple is considered “flat” – the end result may be a tattooed circle for an areola, but no discernable nipple.  Click here for a more detailed examination of the causes of nipple flattening. 

In the medical community, including among plastic surgeons, nipple flattening is considered to be the norm.  It is viewed as a problematic, common occurrence without a distinct solution.  Asteame Medical Devices’ Nipple Guardä  (see Figure 1) enhances the aesthetic result that can be achieved through nipple reconstruction surgery by countering the causes of nipple flattening and allowing the nipple to heal in an upright, protruded position.

Figure 1. Nipple Guard

The Nipple Guardä is recommended to be worn at all times for a minimum of 16 weeks, with use beginning after the first follow-up with the surgeon following the nipple reconstruction procedure.  The Nipple Guard is disposable and changed daily, is easy to apply, is comfortable to wear, and is inconspicuous under a bra and clothing (see Figure 2).  

Figure 2.  Nipple Guard in Protective Position over Nipple

The Nipple Guard works in two ways.  The first thing the Nipple Guard does is eliminate any compressive forces, including sideways or shear forces that may be placed on the nipple.  This allows the nipple protrusion that the surgeon created to heal in an upright position.  The Nipple Guard specifically protects the nipple from any pressure from a bra, tight clothing, sleeping on one’s stomach, or giving someone a hug.  Although the design of the Nipple Guard is contoured so that it is unobtrusive under clothing, it is firm enough to provide protection from anything touching the nipple while it heals. 

The second way the Nipple Guard works is that in mitigates the tensile forces on the nipple.   The tensile forces are due to tissue contraction and scarring in the donor tissue sites that pull and retract the nipple while it heals.  Figure 3 illustrates scar tissue pulling directly on the nipple. 

Figure 3.  Tensile Forces Acting On Nipple

The Nipple Guard’s unique design creates a barrier around the nipple, greatly reducing the tensile forces from pulling directly on the nipple.  As shown in Figure 4, scar pulls from the Nipple Guard's barrier instead of directly from the nipple.

Figure 4.  Nipple Guard Creates Barrier Against Scar Tissue