Nipple areola reconstruction is often considered the "finishing touch" in the process of breast reconstruction after surgery for breast cancer. Attention to detail with respect to patient selection, timing of reconstruction and surgical technique must therefore be paid to avoid an unsatisfactory result that may taint an otherwise successful reconstructive sequence. There are many surgical techniques available to recreate the nipple areola complex, but each of the various techniques is designed to accomplish similar goals. In every case, regardless of the technique chosen, the surgeon seeks to reconstruct a nipple areola complex that is esthetically pleasing in its color, symmetry, position on the breast mound, and projection.