I was wondering if there is a way to do a breast reduction without relocating the nipples? (Photos)

HI,
I am not sure what it is that you are asking. During breast reduction surgery the nipples are not removed from the breast. The tissue under the nipple with the nipple attached is placed higher on the chest wall as needed to give an aesthetic and functional result. If a nipple is in a good location to start with then it is not relocated. A true reduction, however, will almost always involve moving the nipple to a more centered position on the breast. This by necessity results in scars around the areola and a vertical line from the areola to the breast crease. I hope this helps.
Regards,
Daniel A. Medalie MD

Dear JoyAnn224,
The only way to reduce your breasts without moving the nipples would be with liposuction.  This would likely create significant drooping and downward orientation of your nipples.  

Unfortunately there is no way to lift your breasts  and reduce them without putting incisions on them.  That is the trade off.  

I understand your daughter's concern about the vertical T scar but you must bear in mind that your scars are fresh and will go on to heal to faint lines.  The methodology you describe is not the way that a breast reduction is performed.  When we remove the nipple in order to relocate it (in patients with extremely long pedicles for whom nipple grafting is performed), this would not obviate the necessary scar placement.  You have a lovely result!

If the nipples are very low on the breasts, like the first photo shows, you cannot do a proper breast reduction without lifting up the nipples.  So in short, there's no such procedure as you've asked that I'm aware of.  Be sure to discuss your goals and concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon and consider the pros and the cons. Be certain your surgeon is properly certified.  I've attached a link where you can start your search. 

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Congratulations on your successful surgery! With regard to breast reduction incision types, traditional patterns all rely on moving the nipple to a new position. If you are interested in one type of reduction over another, I suggest that you obtain a face-to-face consultation. Preoperative visualization and surgical simulation with the Crisalix system may help with your decision. Any treatment plan should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon.    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.   The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation in person with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck! 


Best,
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS 

Harvard educated plastic surgeon