Trans-nipple double Z-plasty for benign periareolar disease with inverted nipple.

[BACKGROUND] Various surgical procedures have been reported for correction of inverted nipples. The authors herein report a new procedure, "the trans-nipple double Z-plasty," for correction of inverted nipples combined with periareolar disease requiring excision.

[METHODS] From July 2010 to June 2012, 11 unilateral inverted nipples with other benign periareolar diseases were treated with this technique. A midline incision and 5-mm Z-incisions were designed on the nipple-areola complex toward the direction of the combined breast disease. After removal of combined benign disease through the trans-nipple double Z-plasty incision, the defect was filled with surrounding breast tissue, and the inverted nipple was corrected.

[RESULTS] One case of partial necrosis improved with conservative treatment. No recurrence was reported during the follow-up period. Five patients each assessed the cosmetic result as excellent and good.

[CONCLUSION] The trans-nipple double Z-plasty is an easy and useful technique for simultaneous management of periareolar disease with an inverted nipple.

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