Windmill Flap Nipple Reduction --a New Method

BACKGOUNDNipple hypertrophy is a common aesthetic problem among Asian women, and a rare one in Caucasian women, which may result in some displeasure in intimate relationships. It can lead to psychological distress and physical discomfort. What’s more, the prominence of nipple can also lead to physical problems, such as chafing and ulceration. Thus, they seek a perfect way to correct this discomfort. Several techniques have been described for nipple reduction, such as amputation, vertical, cylindrical, and wedge-type resections, but they all have some shortcomings. In this article, we propose a new surgical method of nipple reduction which provides good aesthetic and functional results.METHOD16 female patients, aged 24-41, underwent our new method of nipple reduction in our department from May 17.2010 to May 5.2015. Three crescent-shaped lines are draw from the top of the side wall of nipple only until the areola. This design can reduce both the diameter and height with minimal tissue manipulation.RESULTThe mean diameter of preoperative nipple was 15.43 ± 1.72 mm and the height was 18.06 ± 1.93 mm in supine position. The mean diameter and height of the new nipple were 9.04 ± 1.56 and 8.31 ± 1.25 mm immediately after the operation. The follow-up period ranged from 0.5 to 4 years. No major complications such as nipple necrosis, infection, delayed wound healing, or loss of sensation were noted.CONCLUSIONThis new surgical technique can create a new nipple of the desired height and diameter with excellent esthetic results and without significant complications.