Where should nipple placement be? Are mine too high? (photos)

Question

I am 3.5 months post-breast lift. As I heal, I notice they are not symmetrical. My PS has me scheduled to have the left lifted more to even the nipples, but do they both look too high?

Hetal Fichadia, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Yes, your nipples do look high on your photos. They should sit at a point where the breast projects the most. I suggest discussing your specific concern with your plastic surgeon, so he can plan the revision surgery accordingly. 
Good luck!

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for the photographs.  Generally, we like to see the  nipples facing frontally a the most projecting part of the breast.  From your photographs I do think that they are a bit high, and I consider this the tradeoff for a vertical breast lift  The vertical breast left mainly tightens the breast horizontally which increases the length of the scar from the fold to the top of the nipple.  A consequence of this type of lift is elevation of the nipplel position.  The vertical scar only lift is appealing to many patients because it just leaves one scar but I am not a big fan because of the nipple elevation.  A standard lift which leaves a scar under the fold tightens both horizontally and vertically.  The incision under the fold pulls the breast tissue downward and in your case the nipples to a lower position.  If you are unhappy with your noipple position discuss this with your plastic surgeon and consider converting this to a standard full lift. Hope this helps.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question.  There are certain aesthetic measurements for nipple position including the sternal notch:nipple and nipple:inframammary fold.  Typically, thenipple should be at the most projecting part of your breast. Also, it usually lies at the midpoint of your humerus. Your photos seem to show that your implants have bottomed out. Your nipples may still in fact be too high, however, I think that the true issue is your implants are low. The nipple:IMF distance is lengthened.  Discuss your concern with your plastic surgeon to determine the best option to correct your issue(s). Best wishes!

Scott Thellman, MD · Answer

I would agree with the others that based on your photos the nipple position looks to high.  Typically we try to have the nipples centered over the breast mound, so that they are positioned on the front of the breast where it projects the most.  It appears that yours are sitting above that point.  My concern in cases like this (3.5 months post op) is that this may get worse over time as the skin and tissues on the bottom half of the breast stretch due to time and gravity.  If you are already scheduled for a revision you might discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon and talk about strategies to improve your appearance.

Anthony J. Taglienti, MD · Answer

Yes, it appears as though your nipple position is too high. I would discuss a lowering procedure with your plastic surgeon - this can be done through an incision in the crease of the breast, and typically heals  up well. Unfortunately, this can happen as the breasts heal - the tissue stretches and nipple rotates up. Best of luck.

Where should nipple placement be? Are mine too high? (photos)

Answers (5)

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