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

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.

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  I highly recommend ensuring that your surgeon has performed many breast lifts in this same situation before.  It is not possible to know the blood supply to the nipple based only on the skin incision without a previous operative report.  I always recommend a central mound technique in order to preserve as much blood supply to the nipple as possible.   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 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