The C-V Flap for Nipple Reconstruction After Previous Skin-Sparing Mastectomy and Immediate Breast Reconstruction: Refinements of Donor-Site Closure.

Background: The C-V flap including its modifications is very popular flap used for nipple reconstruction. Methods: This report describes a refinement of the C-V flap used in nipple reconstruction for patients who previously have undergone skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction. Closure of the V flap donor sites is facilitated by means of designing two opposing advancement 'areolar' skin flaps. Results: Our modification ensures that no 'dog ears' remain after the donor sites of the two V flaps are closed and that all scarring remains within the skin paddle of the neo-areola without any extensions on the mastectomy skin flaps. Conclusion: Our refinement of the closure for the donor site of the C-V flap used in nipple reconstruction produces an aesthetically pleasing result without unnecessary donor-site scar extensions on the mastectomy skin flaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]