A Nipple Splint Using a Textile-Like Thermoplastic Cast

ABSTRACT

Nipples are protected by nipple splints after reconstructing or reshaping them using various materials. We have devised a nipple splint using textile-like thermoplastic tape, which is made out of knitted hybrid fabric, is latex-free, and keeps its position well beneath a brassiere with simple taping. Its conformation is readily modifiable according to each patient's breast shape, if it is soaked into hot water. A patient who underwent nipple reconstructive surgery had this thermoplastic cast applied for a month, and the contour of the nipple was well preserved without reports of skin irritation or pressure sores developing on the areola.