One of the many difficult parts of breast reconstruction after mastectomy is reconstructing realistic-looking nipples and areolas. Finding ways to create permanent, natural-looking color has been a challenge for reconstructive surgeons over the years. Tattooing is one common method of nipple reconstruction. Another is grafting skin from other regions, such as the groin or the remaining areola. Over time, however, the nipple color from these methods tends to fade, leaving researchers looking for a new solution.
Now, Australian researcher, Dr Nicola Dean is experimenting with ways to grow pigmented skin in a petri dish. She has succeeded in growing “pigmented skin construct” in the lab, but says that, as of yet, it has not been tried on a patient. And it is not yet known whether the cells in the transplanted skin could become cancerous.
As of yet, this new technique is still in its infancy but offers promise for the future.
For more information on nipple and breast reconstruction, contact the American Cancer Society, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, or a board certified plastic surgery specializing in breast reconstructive procedures. Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Orringer offers thorough breast reconstruction information on his website.
