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Are Reconstructed Nipples Always Hard?

asked 8 months ago by anon
Latest answer by Danielle DeLuca-Pytell, MD
Question viewed 184 times
Tags: breasts, nipples, breast cancer, mastectomy, nipple sensation

When a nipple is reconstructed after mastectomy, will it always have the hard look? Ie, will they always look like they're "nippin' out"?

3 answers to Are Reconstructed Nipples Always Hard?

+2

Nipple reconstruction

Early after reconstruction, the new nipples may be firm, but overtimne they usually soften up ands even shrink a bit.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

Hard nipples after breast reconstruction

Following mastectomy, breast reconstruction will usually replace the mound or shape of the breast but not the nipple. There are several options for reconstructing nipples. Some use bone or cartilage grafts to maintain projection of the nipple. However, firmness of the nipple reconstruction is the trade off. Fortunately, there are other techniques available to create projection without the use of firm graft material. These techniques typically involve using... more
Andre Panossian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Nipple reconstruction after mastectomy

Not all reconstructed nipples will have projection (a hard look). It depends on how the reconstruction is performed, and also how the breast is reconstructed. In my experience, nipples will be flatter after reconstruction using implants than your own tissue (a flap). I have also found that a skate flap gives more projection than a C-V flap. I hope this helps!
Danielle DeLuca-Pytell, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

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