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. Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.