nipple from ear cartilage?

[Samct]

My plastic surgeon wants to use skin and cartilage from behind my ear to make a nipple. I have an implant and have had radiation so the skin is fairly tight and there is not much to work with. I have some areola left after a skin-sparing mastectomy, but part of it is now above the bra line and the ps wants to replace that with skin from behind the ear. I'd appreciate some comments on how common this type of procedure is, how successful it is, whether the nipple shape lasts, how much damage is done to the ear etc.
many thanks

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear samct:  There are a variety of ways to reconstruct nipples.  The end result will, in part, depend on the expertise of the plastic surgeon.  You might discuss this option as well as other options and the pros and cons with your plastic surgeon.  Another option is to get a second opinion from another plastic surgeon to make sure you are comfortable with the recommendations.

[Christie2004]

I had 2 nipple reconstructions just made from skin flaps from the chest area.  Very simple procedures that didn't even require anesthesia due to the permanent numbness I have at that area after mastectomy, anyway.  They were tattoo'd after healing, and look and feel VERY realistic.  Perhaps due to the radiation they couldn't do skin flaps from the chest on you?

I would just wonder how much more "realism" you would gain from using the ear cartilage...sounds sort of painful to me!