Nipple Reconstruction
Nipple reconstruction
Nipple reconstruction in breast cancer patients who undergo total mastectomy or nipple-sparing mastectomies is currently limited by a consistent and significant loss of nipple projection over time, which can negatively affect patient satisfaction and quality of life. To address this issue, we have designed and fabricated 3D-printed Poly-4-Hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) nipple-shaped scaffolds to promote long-term maintenance of nipple projection in a rat model. The 3D printing parameters (filament diameter and infill density) of absorbable P4HB latticework scaffolds have been modified to facilitate tissue formation and mimic the biomechanical properties of the native nipple while maintaining long-term shape and projection.



Elasticity of explanted rebar P4HB scaffolded nipples at one year after explantation.