Was Told there was a Risk of Losing my Nipples if I Had Second Breast Reduction, is this Likely?

asked 5 months ago by arabesque
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 130 times
Tags: areola, nipples, revision

I had this surgery 30 years ago and do not have any of the medical records or even remember the surgeon's name. I am considering this surgery again and was advised at a consult that I would be at risk of losing my nipples as blood supply might be lost. I very much want to have the surgery but am concerned. I am 55 years old. Would this be dangerous to pursue? Thank you!

6 answers to Was Told there was a Risk of Losing my Nipples if I Had Second Breast Reduction, is this Likely?

Nipple loss after repeat breast reduction

Certianly there is an increased risk of nipple necrosis after a repeat breast reduction, however there are a series of measures that can be taken to maximize the viability of the nipple during reduction.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Nipple necrosis in repeat breast reduction

Nipple necrosis is a recognized risk of breast reduction surgery. The risk increases in a repeat operation. It is impossible to ascertain whether nipple grafting surgery, which has its own risks, would be better for you. TThis would depend, in part on the breast size and the current nipple heights.

Robert L. Kraft, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

www.foresthillsplasticsurgery.com

Repeat Breast Reduction?

Thank you for the question. It sounds like you have been well-informed of the potential problem with blood supply when a redo breast reduction is performed. The concern is related to blood flow to the remaining breast tissue; is important to perform the operation in such a fashion that the blood flow to the nipple/areola/breast tissue is not compromised. The part of the tissue that is left in place after breast reduction surgery is called the... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Secondary breast reduction, risk of nipple loss

The situation you describe is one most plastic surgeons encounter fairly frequently. The risk of nipple loss your plastic surgeon advised you of is real and exists with all breast reduction or lift surgery. The risk is probably slightly higher in secondary surgery, particularly if the second surgeon doesn't know what surgical technique was used the first time round. Having said that most surgeons do secondary surgeries like this regularly, I've done many such surgeries... more

Nicholas Carr, MD
Vancouver Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction with free nipple grafts is a very safe option.

Hi. 1) I think you can definitely have another breast reduction. If the nipples don't have to be lifted very much, a conventional lift with a lollipop scar should work just fine. 2) If the nipples do have to be lifted a lot, then I would recommend a free nipple graft breast reduction. Then the blood supply to the nipples is not an issue at all. The only disadvantage is that you often lose erotic sensation in your nipples. see video

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Risk Of Tissue Necrosis Is Greater With Second Reduction

There is an increased risk of necrosis and other wound healing problems with a secondary or repeat breast reduction. The reason is that there are two separate episodes of interference with and reduction of the blood supply. This may be seen in nipple-areolar loss or loss in other areas.

John Whitt, MD
Louisville Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question

Get Free Email Updates