The “Swiss-Roll” flap: A modified C-V flap for nipple reconstruction

Abstract

Nipple reconstruction is an integral step in breast reconstruction. There are a variety of local-flap based techniques however one of the most commonly used is the C-V flap. The traditional flap forms a nipple shell composed of dermis and epidermis containing a core of subcutaneous fat. The shortcomings of this technique are that it relies on subcutaneous fat for nipple bulk and with time loses a significant part of its volume. We present a modification of the C-V flap designed for use in breasts with little subcutaneous fat in order to minimise post-operative nipple projection loss.