SynthesisAesthetic plastic surgery2026
Targeted Nipple-Areola Complex (NAC) Reinnervation (TNR): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Synthesis in Aesthetic plastic surgery, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Nipple-areolar complex neurotization in implant-based breast reconstruction: a narrative review.Gland surgery · 2026Review
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundLoss of nipple-areola complex (NAC) sensation following mastectomy is a significant concern in both gender-affirming and oncologic breast surgery. Targeted nipple-areola complex reinnervation (TNR) has emerged as a technique to improve sensory outcomes by restoring nerve connections to the NAC. This study systematically reviews the literature and conducts a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of TNR in both gender-affirming mastectomy and oncologic breast reconstruction.
methodsA systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched for studies reporting NAC neurotization outcomes. Studies were included if they assessed sensory recovery following TNR in gender-affirming mastectomy or oncologic breast reconstruction. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed on four studies reporting monofilament thresholds, with separate meta-analyses conducted for areola sensation and peripheral breast sensation. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed.
resultsTwelve studies encompassing 342 participants (195 with TNR, 147 controls) were included. Meta-analysis of TNR in gender-affirming mastectomy patients demonstrated significantly improved NAC, areola, and peripheral breast skin sensation compared to controls (MD: - 1.73, 95% CI: - 2.15 to - 1.32, p < 0.0001, I
conclusionTNR significantly enhances NAC sensation in both gender-affirming and oncologic mastectomy patients. Gender-affirming cases demonstrate earlier and more predictable recovery, whereas oncologic reconstruction studies show more variable outcomes. Further research is needed to standardize neurotization techniques and evaluate long-term sensory restoration. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
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