Free nipple graft; healing and results

I perform free nipple grafts in patients with excessively large breasts and in patients with breast cancer,where a lumpectomy is being performed or where a reduction is required on the opposite breast.Scarring can be kept to the breast fold without a vertical incision. Nipple grafts usually take very well ,however pigment loss can be a problem especially in dark skinned patients

Loss of sensation, loss of nipple projection, incomplete take of the nipple/areolar graft and other complications can occur with this procedure. In my practice this is a very unusual as even very large breasts can be reduced with other techniques. On the other hand this is  a technique that should be considered when it is expected that there is not sufficient blood supply for the nipple and areola survival.

I gree with my colleagues. Free nipple grafts have their problems, however when necessary they serve a necessary purpose. It is very rare for me to ever use free grafts. Find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who does a lot of breast surgery. He / she will help you understand your breast and what the best approach to managing them would be.Good LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic surgery