Methods for nipple formation via collapsible devices

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for nipple and breast formation are described where devices precondition or expand a target nipple tissue to reduce the pressure exerted by the skin on an eventual implant. Generally, the apparatus comprises a mold having a contact surface which is curved in conformance with a breast upon which the mold is positionable, the contact surface having an adhesive for securement upon the breast, and the mold defining a cavity along the contact surface which conforms to a size of a nipple to be formed upon the breast and where the cavity further comprises the adhesive for securement to the nipple. A breast enlargement device comprises a cup larger than the target breast and further defines an inner surface which adheres to the breast when contacted.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of forming a nipple, comprising:
 reconfiguring a mold into a first collapsed configuration and a mold skirt into a first extended configuration, where the mold skirt is attached to a portion of the mold;   adhering the mold having a contact surface which is curvable onto a region of a breast where a nipple is to be formed;   reconfiguring the mold into a second molding configuration such that the mold defines a receiving cavity and draws the adhered region of the breast into the mold and away from a remainder of the breast;   reconfiguring the mold skirt into a second supporting configuration such that the mold skirt forms a smoothed surface relative to the mold in its second molding configuration.   
     
     
         2 . A method of forming a nipple, comprising:
 adhering a first mold upon a breast such that the mold conforms to a surface of the breast, wherein the first mold has to contact surface which is curved and further has a first mold skirt attached to a portion of the first mold, and wherein the first mold defines a first cavity along the contact surface which conforms to a size of a nipple to be formed upon the breast;   adhering a portion of the breast where a nipple is to be formed within the cavity   maintaining the first mold upon the breast for a first period of time of at least one day;   removing the first mold from the breast and adhering at least a second mold having a contact surface upon the breast, if needed, wherein the second mold has a second mold skirt attached, and wherein the second mold defines a second cavity which is larger than the first cavity; and   maintaining the second mold upon the breast for a second period of time of at least one day such that a size of the nipple is maintained when the second mold is removed from the breast.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising repeating additional applications of molds with subsequently larger cavities until a predetermined nipple size is achieved, if needed. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising inserting an implant into the formed nipple to maintain a shape and size of the nipple. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  further comprising reapplying a mold after the implant is inserted to allow an implant-tissue interface time to equilibrate. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the first mold is invertible and a portion of the first cavity is adhered to the target nipple tissue while inverted, wherein reversion of the first mold back to its first configuration recruits and stretches tissue at the surface of the breast and secures the tissue in place within the cavity. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2  wherein adhering a first mold comprises actuating a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the first mold. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2  wherein adhering a first mold comprises adhering the surface of the breast within the first cavity via an adhesive.