RecruitingNot Applicable

Impact of Nipple Reconstruction in Mastectomized Patients Using Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid Injection.

Spain138 participantsStarted 2023-06-02

Plain-language summary

This study evaluates the impact of hyaluronic acid (HA) injection for nipple projection following mastectomy, as a complement to areola micropigmentation. While micropigmentation is standard in nipple-areola complex (NAC) reconstruction, HA use remains novel, with limited data on psychosocial, sexual, and aesthetic outcomes. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design will be used. In Phase 1, a randomized controlled trial will compare two groups: one receiving NAC micropigmentation alone (control) and the other receiving micropigmentation plus HA-based nipple projection (intervention). A total of 138 participants will be recruited at the Areolar Micropigmentation Unit of Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital (Barcelona) over 36 months. Outcomes will include psychosocial and sexual well-being, satisfaction with breast and nipple appearance, and nipple projection, measured using the Spanish BREAST-Q, a custom satisfaction tool, and calipers. Phase 2 will involve a qualitative phenomenological study using semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample from the intervention group. Thematic analysis will explore body image, emotional and social well-being, and overall satisfaction, using NVivo software. This is the first study assessing HA nipple reconstruction by advanced practice nurses using validated patient-reported outcomes. While the BREAST-Q is appropriate, it may not fully capture emotional nuances, justifying qualitative exploration. HA durability is estimated at 6-9 months, but residual volume and satisfaction over time remain underexplored. HA's aesthetic footprint may allow reduced dosages in future applications. This minimally invasive technique may reduce the need for surgical nipple reconstruction. Conducting the procedure in a nurse-led setting is novel and may enhance patient-centered care and the role of nursing in post-mastectomy recovery. The study complies with the Declaration of Helsinki and Spanish biomedical regulations. Ethical approval was obtained. Participants will provide informed consent, and data will be anonymized and securely stored.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

FEMALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

* Quantitative Phase * Inclusion Criteria: Women over 18 years of age, or with parental or legal guardian consent. At least one of the following criteria: Women undergoing their first nipple-areola complex (NAC) reconstruction through micropigmentation and/or: No previous neo-nipple surgery, either unilaterally or bilaterally. Surgical reconstruction of the areola. Surgical reconstruction of the NAC with subsequent retraction of the neo-nipple. More than 6 months since their last surgery. \- Exclusion Criteria: Allergy to hyaluronic acid. Poor tolerance to needle injections. Withdrawal Criteria: Participant's voluntary decision. Complications associated with the technique (allergy, hematoma, etc.). Clinical deterioration preventing the woman from continuing in the study. \- Qualitative Phase Participant Profile Characteristics: For the qualitative phase, women who have received NAC reconstruction with HA will be invited to participate, following the maximum variation criterion. To ensure the inclusion of participants with diverse characteristics and capture a wide range of perspectives and experiences on the phenomenon under study, women of varying ages, with different breast cancer diagnoses, and histories of various oncological, surgical, and therapeutic treatments will be selected.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Satisfaction with Nipple Reconstruction

Timeframe: 3, and 6 months after final injection session

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07008339

SponsorGermans Trias i Pujol Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-06-02

Contact for this trial

Isabel Granados Navarrete, RN

+34 695161506 isabelgranados_navarrete@hotmail.com

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Breast Neoplasms trials