What are the chances of me getting necrosis on the nipples/areolas after a breast lift with no implants ?

Question

Hello I have been wanted to get a breast lift for over a year now but I am so so worried I’m going to get necrosis. I’ve been on this site for a year and I’ve seen sooo many girls get necrosis on their areolas/nipples after a breast lift. Why does this happen so much and what can I do to make sure that it won’t happen to me Thank you to all doctors that answer :)

Marc Klein, MD · Answer

The chance of nipple or areola necrosis is very, very small.      Relevant factors would be smoking history first, then technique of the lift.    Especially without placing an implant, the risk to the blood supply of the nipple is minimal.     Discuss your concerns with your surgeon.   Chances are you will be reassured.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well.. based in your question the personas have a big % to get necrosis is the smokers ..its recommended get a consultation with a plastic surgeon to evaluate you.

Steve Merten, FRACS - Account Suspended · Answer

This is a very rare complication, however smoking is the biggest risk factor. This is not an operation I ever perform on a smoker. I have never had this complication, however some techniques and perhaps breast size may be relevant. A suitably qualified and experienced PS should be able to advise you as to your risk. Good luck,Dr Steve Merten, Sydney

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The probability is low in non-smokers and healthy patients.  I have never even had a partial nipple areolar necrosis after performing hundreds of breast lifts.  Find the plastic surgeon with elite credentials (education, training, experience, American Board of Plastic Surgery certification) who performs hundreds of breast procedures each year.   Look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to determine the plastic surgeon who can produce the results you are seeking.  Also read patient reviews.

James H. Rogers, MD · Answer

Nipple necrosis after breast lift alone is uncommon in healthy , non smoking patients. Patients who experience bleeding or hematoma formation after surgery are atgreater risk. Adding an implant to the procedure increases the risk, but it is still fairly low. Patients having breast reductions are at higher risk for skin and nipple necrosis because more of the blood supply is disrupted when breast tissue is removed.

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

Nipple necrosis is not very common. In 33 years of practice and hundreds of breast lifts and breast reduction s I have never had a nipple necrosis. Discuss with your surgeon. Good luck.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

If
you have never had prior breast surgery and are not a smoker, the chances of
nipple necrosis after a routine breast lift are almost zero.  The technique I use is The Bellesoma Method,
which is based on a central mound and provides excellent profusion to the
nipple.  This technique reshapes the
breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevates them
higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation
and the ability to breast feed are maintained. 
Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Anita Patel, MD, FACS · Answer

It is actually not very common, especially for a lift without another procedure. The reason that can happen is a problem with the blood flow, either not enough flow in, or not enough flow out. It is definitely possible, and the risk can be greater when the degree of lift is greater, but it is definitely not common. I have not seen what you're referring to on this site, though I have also not looked at it from a patient perspective. This is where each surgeon's experience and technique and planning come into play, but any of the risks can happen even in the best of hands (just less likely). Some patient factors can increase the risk of nipple/areola loss are smoking (before and/or after surgery) or placing too much pressure over the nipples in the early postop period. Diabetics are also a group with a higher risk of wound healing problems. I think if a breast lift is something you are seriously considering, seeing a board certified plastic surgeon in consultation would be a good idea, and you can see if you are a good candidate, and discuss the risks in greater detail.

Giorgio Netri, MBBS · Answer

even if these are very scary complications that can happen after an uplift these are at the same time really rare. I always discuss the risk during consultation and before consent but fortunately never had one similar case in over 400 uplift. Risk is much higher in smokers .

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  When good technique is used, it is extremely rare to have necrosis of the nipple after a breast lift with implants.  This happens when the blood supply to the nipple is disrupted during surgery.  You should make sure that your surgeon is experienced in this type of surgery.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

What are the chances of me getting necrosis on the nipples/areolas after a breast lift with no implants ?

Answers (19)

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