Do most people who have nipple reconstruction have breast reconstruction? Not necessarily. Do you think about nipple reconstruction if you’ve had breast cancer and are in a consultation for breast reconstruction? We are going to answer these questions and others on this episode of the DiepCJourney Podcast.

My guest is Dr. Courtney Carpenter of PRMA in San Antonio, Texas.

Dr. Carpenter is passionate about utilizing her extensive expertise and experience to help transform lives through reconstructive plastic surgery. I want to point out that PRMA uses the co-surgeon model in breast reconstruction, meaning there are two board-certified microsurgeons with the patient in the OR at the time of autologous breast reconstruction surgery. PRMA is part of the IFAR (Institute for Advanced Reconstruction) network of surgeons.

We discuss these topics:

·       At what phase of the reconstructive process does nipple reconstruction happen?

·       Methods of nipple reconstruction.

·       Recovery and dressings used after surgery.

·       3-D Medical tattooing of the NAC (nipple areola complex) for those who do not have nipple reconstruction.

This is what Dr. Carpenter tells us as she summarizes her thoughts at the end of the podcast.

“Nipple recon is something people don’t think about. They hear their diagnosis. They are thinking about breasts. They are not necessarily thinking about the nipples or the thought that their nipples might be removed isn’t something that even crosses their mind, even though it might be on my mind or their breast surgeon’s mind.

I think that people should be encouraged to ask more questions. Especially if they are a candidate for preserving their nipples or not preserving their nipples. Questions are always great! I love questions, it means you’re thinking about it! You’re trying to get as much data as you want or as you need in order to make your decision.”

I am grateful for her time and expertise to help prepare our listeners for their consulation for breast reconstruction surgery and to know what questions to ask about nipple reconstruction. 

Connect with Dr. Carpenter on the following platforms:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prmaplasticsurgery/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PRMAplasticsurgery

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRMAPlasticSurgery