What is the free nipple graft technique means and what is the side effect of this technique?

Free nipple grafts are sometimes used as a technique to preserve normal areola appearance in very large breast reduction cases.  Instead of leaving the nipple attached and pivoting its position on a pedicle, the free nipple technique completely removes the areola and replaces it as a skin graft.  The technique is valuable in a small minority of cases.

Free nipple grafting is a technique breast reduction surgery in in which the nipple is completely removed and then replaced as a skin graft.  Although the nipple will be preserved, there will be complete loss of sensation.  Also, there is the risk of pigmentation changes, loss of projection of the nipple, as well as the risk of complete loss of the graft, which would require reconstruction.  This technique is sometimes used on very large breasts.  With the large number of pedicle options to keep the nipple vascularized, I find that even with  large breasted women, it is extremely rare to need  to resort to this.  Be sure to discuss your concerns with a PS with experience in all variations of the breast reduction procedure.  Best Regards.The information above should not be considered a substitute for consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to address individual medical needs. Your particular facts and circumstances will determine the plastic surgery treatment which is most appropriate for you.

Free nipple grafting is a technique where the nipple and areola are completely removed and then replaced as a skin graft at the end of a breast reduction. It is performed very rarely in cases in which the breasts are extremely large. With new breast reduction techniques now available, it is really now only a technique of last resort. The downside to the technique is that all sensation will be lost to this tissue and there is a very high incidence of loss of pigment and loss of projection.