BACKGROUND: The final step in the creation of the neo-breast is reconstruction of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC), which is aimed toward bringing the appearance of the NAC closer to that of the contralateral breast following mastectomy. NAC restoration has historically been a stepwise procedure, in which reconstruction of the nipple by the use of grafts or local flaps was followed by reconstruction of the areola to achieve the correct color. Currently, the popularity of the areolar tattoo is increasing compared to traditional techniques. The aim of this study was to describe the technique and equipment used for intra-dermal tattooing in mastectomized patients at the Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery Service of the Walter Cantídio University Hospital (Fortaleza, CE, Brazil). METHODS: This study describes the steps of the repair procedure by using permanent areolar tattooing with conventional equipment from a professional tattoo artist. The procedure was used in 10 patients undergoing post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. RESULTS: The advantages of this method included the technical simplicity of the procedure, the ability to use this procedure in outpatients, and the lack of morbidity of the donor areas. CONCLUSIONS: Tattooing the NAC is a safe, fast procedure with low morbidity and good results of breast reconstruction.
Tattooing; Nipples, surgery; Reconstructive surgical procedures
