Patient Satisfaction After 3D Nipple-Areolar Complex Tattooing: A Case Series of Hispanic Women Following Breast Reconstruction Surgery.

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is a prevalent cancer worldwide, leading many women to undergo mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery. Nipple-areolar complex (NAC) reconstruction is critical in achieving aesthetic and psychological satisfaction. Recently, 3-dimensional (3D) NAC tattooing has become an option for this purpose.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate patient-reported outcomes for satisfaction among Hispanic women who underwent NAC reconstruction with 3D tattooing after breast reconstruction.

Methods: Data were collected from a retrospective database covering a number of academic settings between 2014 and 2024. Participants were Hispanic women aged 32 to 60 years who had undergone various NAC reconstruction techniques. Follow-up was conducted no more than 6 months after surgery, utilizing the BREAST-Q version 2.0 questionnaire to measure satisfaction in 2 groups: Group 1, in which patients received alternative NAC reconstruction methods; and Group 2, which received 3D NAC tattooing.

Results: Patients who underwent 3D NAC tattooing (Group 2) demonstrated increased psychosocial well-being, with a mean [standard deviation] score of 84.73 [8.56]. Regarding surgeon experience, Group 2 achieved a mean score of 86.21 [10.33], which was lower than the Group 1 mean of 88.70 [10.78]. Notably, Group 2 expressed greater satisfaction with nipple reconstruction, with a mean score of 3.73 [0.44] compared with the Group 1 mean score of 3.48 [0.65].

Conclusions: The findings indicate that 3D NAC tattooing may enhance aesthetic outcomes of the NAC and psychosocial well-being in Hispanic women. This highlights the importance of incorporating unique techniques in breast reconstruction and the need for a multidisciplinary approach.

Level of evidence: 4 (therapeutic):