USF-LVHN SELECT

Tattoo or reconstruction? Sixteen-year trends in post mastectomy nipple areolar complex restoration in the United States.

Publication/Presentation Date

9-6-2026

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide, and mastectomy often necessitates restorative approaches to preserve cosmetic outcome and quality of life. Nipple-areolar complex (NAC) reconstruction and tattooing are among the most widely described techniques; however, their relative use at the national level remains poorly defined. Using International Classification of Diseases, 9th and 10th revision (ICD-9 and ICD-10) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, national data from 2007 to 2023 were analyzed to identify cases of NAC reconstruction and tattooing. Logistic and quasi-Poisson regression was applied to evaluate NAC procedure trends stratified by breast reconstruction type. Surgical NAC reconstruction and tattooing declined annually by 6.5% and 5.8%, respectively (p < 0.001). The downward trends persisted for both NAC restoration types during subgroup analysis among patients who received implant-based autologous and hybrid breast reconstruction (p< 0.001). These findings suggest a shifting paradigm in NAC restoration, with evolving preferences and surgical techniques. The observed trends have implications for patient counseling, surgical planning, and shared decision-making to help patients achieve their reconstructive goals.

Volume

122

First Page

163

Last Page

168

ISSN

1878-0539

Disciplines

Medical Education | Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

42759183

Department(s)

USF-LVHN SELECT Program, USF-LVHN SELECT Program Students

Document Type

Article

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