It is estimated that around 30% of women diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK undergo a mastectomy, with 21% of these patients opting to have immediate breast reconstruction.
FixNip NRI: The Nipple and Areola Reconstruction Implant is a medical device that provides the answer to breast reconstruction for thousands of women around the world. It is a biocompatible smooth silicone implant specially designed for a long-lasting reconstruction of the Nipple-Areola Complex.
The product has unique characteristics that mimic a natural nipple touch and look. This can help to relieve the psychological burden and impaired quality of life for women treated with total or partial mastectomy.
Breast reconstruction is often the final stage of patient recovery, and the nipple is an essential part of restoring the shape and appearance of the breast.
Breast reconstruction typically involves the reconstruction of the breast shape and volume, and many times, it leaves out the recreation of the Nipple-Areola Complex (NAC). However, it should be considered an integral part of breast reconstructive surgery. This is because it offers an important psychological contribution to breast reconstruction and leads to greater overall well-being. The product also helps combat the psychological consequences of a breast cancer diagnosis by helping to rebuild women’s self-confidence and instil more positive body confidence.
The FixNip NRI is implanted with a minimally invasive procedure carried out by surgeons which takes an average of 15 minutes. The outcome has demonstrated high patient satisfaction with minimum patient downtime and an excellent safety profile.
Women who have undergone either a bilateral or unilateral breast reconstruction, are eligible to reconstruct the Nipple-Areola Complex with FixNip to help achieve projection and form to correctly mimic the look and feel of a real nipple.
FixNip NRI is produced from biocompatible smooth silicone with a floral-shaped nitinol frame which allows a minimal incision as its key to recover the original shape of the implant when it is folded and inserted.
The perforated silicone implant allows rapid integration and fixation to adjacent tissue, avoiding rotation or displacement.
Many women who undergo breast reconstruction report feeling “whole” again and highly recommend it to other women facing a similar decision.
Gladys who underwent breast reconstruction with FixNip NRI said: “At first, I felt very ashamed of my body, I avoided looking at myself in the mirror or undressing in front of my own husband. Even after my breast reconstruction. The nipple implant made a difference, it was like the final step. It changed my perception. I felt myself again, I was happy to recover what cancer took away from me.”