![]() ![]() The stencil includes openings to guide placement of highlights and shadows to create the illusion of a projecting nipple, and even the tiny Montgomery glands surrounding the nipple. "The device allows a more facile and efficient approach by allowing those not skilled in the freehand artistic techniques of light and shadow to create a 3D recreation of the NAC," Dr. Itself created by 3D printing, the simple device consists of removeable stencil layers with customizable holes to provide a guide for well-controlled and precise tattooing. The Nipple By Number device was developed to provide plastic surgeons with a way of performing 3D nipple tattoos as an office procedure. National average out-of-pocket costs range from $640 for unilateral to $956 for bilateral breast tattoos. Azouz and colleagues found that less than one-fourth of plastic surgery offices can perform 3D nipple tattoos, or even refer patients to a qualified tattoo artist. Patients and surgeons may have concerns about verifying the artist's skill, or about visiting a tattoo parlor to have the procedure performed. Relatively few artists can perform these sophisticated tattoos. Developed by skilled tattoo artists, these techniques use subtle effects of light and shadow to create realistic-looking 3D NAC tattoos.īut 3D nipple tattoos may be difficult to access for most patients. ![]() In recent years, 3D breast tattoos have emerged as a new approach to creating a natural-appearing nipple and areola. Breast reconstruction has important benefits after mastectomy, but the surgical options for NAC reconstruction are limited. "It allows plastic surgeons to perform this sought-after procedure in a safe, reliable and more-affordable manner, without the need for special training or experience."įor most patients, mastectomy results in loss of the NAC – the nipple and surrounding tissue. "Nipple by Number® is a simple stencil device that allows consistent, realistic 3D tattooing of the nipple-areola complex to complete breast reconstruction," comments lead author Solomon Azouz, MD, of Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale. Now a new device called Nipple By Number® enables plastic surgeons to perform realistic-looking 3D nipple tattoos as an in-office procedure, reports a paper in the January issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). For most women, accessing this option means finding a tattoo artist with the skill to create these detailed tattoos. Three-dimensional tattoos offer a new alternative for creating a natural-looking nipple after breast reconstruction. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |