We prefer to allow your reconstructed breast to "settle" for at least 3 months so that the nipple and/or areola can be placed in the proper position. Nipple-areola complex reconstruction is done usually with local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, however it can also be combined in further breast revisions requiring general anesthesia. Either option does not require for you to stay overnight at the hospital. This procedure usually involves very little discomfort.
In this section, we will specifically discuss areola reconstruction. Typically, if patients are interested in areola reconstruction, this procedure occurs 3 months following nipple reconstruction.
Options for reconstruction of the areola include:
- 3D tattoo by a medical tattoo artist.
- Skin graft from abdominal scar of groin crease.
- Areolar share (if you have a large opposite areola).
People who opt to undergo this procedure do not require a pre-admission appointment.
If your areola reconstruction is done together with another procedure under general anesthesia, you will have a pre-admission visit.
This procedure is most commonly performed utilizing local anesthetic in a clinic setting. There are no set recommendations or restrictions the day before your procedure.
However, some patients may be offered to receive this procedure by their surgeon if they require further surgical revisions under general anesthesia. Talk to your surgeon about this. If your areola reconstruction is performed under general anesthesia, please see below for the instructions on how to prepare for your surgery.
Stop eating food by midnight on the night before your operation. Your stomach needs to be empty.
- STOP eating food by midnight on the night before your operation.
- You may drink clear fluids up to 5 hours before your operation:
- Apple juice
- Beef or chicken broth (no noodles or vegetables)
- Orange juice (without pulp)
- Grape juice
- Jell-O or popsicles
- Cranberry juice
- Pop (such as ginger ale, 7-Up, Coke)
- Lemonade
- Water
- Coffee or Tea (no milk)
Please arrive at the clinic approximately 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Our clinics are located at:
M. Lau Breast Centre
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre – 2nd Floor
Plastics Clinic
Toronto General Hospital
Peter Munk Building – 7th Floor
If you are receiving this procedure under general anesthesia, please see the following instructions.
Arrive
2 hours before your scheduled operation time:
Surgical Admission Unit (SAU)
Toronto General Hospital
Peter Munk Building – 2nd Floor
TGH Maps & Directions
All hospital entrances are open by 6 am. However, Elizabeth St. and University Ave. are easiest to access.
On this page, you can read all about what to expect during your hospital stay. Or, just click on one of the links below, to get the answer you want right now.
- You will have dressings on your surgical incisions.
- You will be given a brochure outlining how to take care of your surgical site at home and any limitations along with dressing supplies.
- Generally, since no general anesthesia is required, you will not feel any different after your procedure.
- Typically, local anesthetic is applied to the breasts to recreate the nipple/areola. However, many patients have reduced breast sensation following their previous reconstruction surgeries and require little to no local anesthetic at all.
- At home, you will be able to complete your activities of daily living (e.g., walking, toileting, getting dressed and personal hygiene).
- No hospital stay is required if your procedure is performed in a clinical setting.
- If your procedure is completed in the operating room, you can expect to be discharged the same day of your operation.
Go to the hospital nearest emergency room if:
- Your temperature goes higher than 38℃ (100℉) and lasts longer than 24 hours.
- You feel chills.
- Bright red, hot and swollen incisions or skin.
- White fluid or pus that smells bad.
- You can shower 24 hours after the procedure. Your dressing is waterproof, but try not to get the dressing wet.
- Gently pat it dry. Do not rub it.
- Some oozing where you had the tattoo is normal. It will dry up on its own.
- If the dressing starts to peel off, do not remove or change it. Secure it with tape. Apply gauze if it's oozing.
- After the procedure, a nurse puts a dressing over the wound. You need to keep this dressing on for 7 days.
- If the dressing smells bad, gets dirty or bloody, you may change it. Many people need to change their dressing halfway through the week.
- You will be given dressing supplies when you go home. You can also buy dressing supplies at your local pharmacy or health supply store.
- After 7 days, you can remove the dressing yourself.
- Let the scab fall off on its own. When it dries, do not peel it.
Go to your nearest emergency department if you see these signs of infection:
- Your temperature goes higher than 38℃ (100℉) and lasts longer than 24 hours.
- If you feel chills.
- Bright red, hot and swollen incisions or skin.
- White fluid or pus that smells bad.
The Nurse Coordinator is your first place to call for post-operative questions:
Agnes Wisniewski, RN, BScN, MN
Phone: 416 340 4800 ext. 5161
You can also call your
surgeon's office for more information.
If you have concerns regarding your breast reconstruction, please call your surgeon's office or go to the emergency department at the hospital where you had your operation.
Remember to call your surgeon's office to schedule a follow-up appointment.
Before you leave the hospital, you will be reminded to call your surgeon's office to schedule a follow-up appointment
When
10 days after your surgery.
Where
There are two clinics associated with the Breast Reconstruction Program. We will tell you which clinic to go to when you call your surgeon's office to schedule an appointment.
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre |
Maps & Directions
2nd Floor, M. Lau Breast Centre.
Toronto General Hospital |
Maps & Directions
7th Floor, Plastics Clinic
What to Expect
Your surgeon will assess your surgical sites for their healing process and speak to you about your recovery.
Your surgeon will let you know when you should return if an additional follow-up appointment is required. You will be required to call the office to schedule this.
What to Bring
Please bring your health card to your appointment.
