Is there a high risk of losing your nipple if you have a second breast lift without knowing where the original cut was?

Hello,
As a resident in plastic surgery in the 1990's, I have indelibly etched in my mind my teacher's admonition about revision breast reductions and lifts and nipple safety. Fast forward a quarter century and nearly a thousand revision lifts/reductions, and I can assure you that the blood supply to the nipple is almost irrelevant, especially with today's modern techniques like the central pedicle, which preserves a wide range of blood vessels to the nipple during the revision lift. Go visit a few ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeons who specialize in revision breast surgery. BTW, contrary to one surgeon's answer, the scar does not reveal the original blood supply to the nipple, but that's ok, because like I said, it really doesn't matter, especially years later. Best of luck!

Yes, that is true that having a second breast lift without knowing what pedicle was used in the first surgery can involve an increased risk of compromising blood supply to the nipple. The Wise pattern incision used for a full breast lift does not indicate which pedicle was used. This is determined by what was done inside, and how the blood supply was maintained. However, if many years have passed, while there is an increased risk, it is not so high that one cannot get another breast lift. If you are able to get your old operative report it would be helpful. I would recommend seeing a board certified plastic surgeon with experience doing secondary breast lifts, and see if you are a good candidate.