Can nipple length be a risk to successful nipple grafts?

Hi,
In a healthy non-smoker, nipple grafts very rarely fail. The main problem with grafts is you don't always get much nipple projection or sensation.
I usually, however, do a nipple "pedicle" technique that keeps the nipple blood supply intact and reduces these problems.
Regards, Dr Steve Merten, Sydney

Hi there thanks for your question. The chances of graft loss is very minimal around less than 5%. In patients with other comorbidities, smokers and those with larger nipple the chances of partial necrosis is slightly higher.   

hello redbulladdict  Personally, I frequently use liposuction along with the double incision for larger breasts and some variation for smaller breasts depending upon the position of the Areola. And the female breast the nipple is often centered on the breast but in the male patient the nipple and Areola islower and closer to the outside edge of the pectoralis muscle.  #nipples #pre-op

Hi redbulladdict,Thanks for the post. The risk of nipple grat failure is very low, especially in non smokers and non diabetics. The length of the nipple may be reduced as a graft but men typically have less projecting nipples than wome so this is likely to be aesthetically acceptable. Sincerely,Dr. Dadvand

The usual risk of losing a nipple graft in top surgery is around 1%.  The length of the nipple itself typically does not play a factor in the healing of the graft.

The risk of total nipple graft loss after TOP surgery is very low in healthy individuals, probably around 1-5%.  There is increased risk of partial loss, but this usually heals without issue.  If you have a larger nipple, than there is a higher risk of losing just the top portion after transfer.  However, this usually works to the benefit of the patient because a male chest has smaller nipples than a female.  So, some necrosis, or loss, of the nipple can be aesthetically helpful.  

The successful take of the nipple and areolar graft is highest when the graft is immobilized and compressed against the chest for several days. Smokers and diabetics have some problems with graft take, but you should sail right through it.

Hi There. Thank you for your question.  Free nipple graft failure rate should be no more that 1% in a fit healthy, non-smoker.  About 10% of patients may experience some partial delayed healing which recovers without any revision surgery.  I do not do surgery on smokers because of the high risk of failure and infection.  Hope that this is helpful and good luck with your planned surgery