Free nipple graft - would I be able to breastfeed in the future? (Photo)

If you did not have any reduction procedure before your nipples can be protected. Breast reduction can be done without FNG.

If you are wanting to breastfeed, I would recommend deferring your reduction until after you have had children or finding a surgeon who feels confident that the surgery can be done in such a way that the nipple is not removed from the body. When we perform a free nipple graft, the nipple and areola are completely detached from the body. The nerve and ducts connected to the nipple (which are involved in the milk production and lactation process) are cut. The nipple and areolae are then reattached to the breast in a new location and sutured in place as a skin graft. Since the nerves and ducts are not reattached, the ability to breastfeed after a FNG is very very unlikely.

Dear Enthusiastic

Great question. With a free nipple graft is will not be possible to breastfeed in the future. If this is not okay for you I suggest you seek additional opinions. Different surgeons employ different methods.

The link shows a woman with low breasts--in her case I was able to leave the nipple attached to the underlying breast tissue, which preserves the possibility of breast feeding.

Best of luck!
Dr. Jim Romanelli

Thank you for your question.Free nipple grafting surgery unfortunately will not let you breast feeding in future. Other techniques are available in plastic surgery practice.Central pedicled breast reduction technique will let you breast feed after surgery.

Hi there! Thank you so much for your question and for sharing this here.
When it comes to breast reduction techniques, every surgeon has their own preferred approach based on safety and predictable outcomes. A free nipple graft (FNG) is sometimes recommended for very very large reductions, but you are young, a DD, and still planning for future breastfeeding — so it’s understandable that you’re questioning whether an FNG is the right approach for you.
A few important points:
- An FNG will 100% eliminate your ability to breastfeed in the future, as the ducts are completely disconnected.- It will also permanently remove nipple sensation.- While any breast reduction could potentially affect breastfeeding, the risk is much smaller with techniques that preserve the nipple’s blood supply (non-FNG).- Many patients your size can be candidates for a pedicled breast reduction without an FNG — but that determination can only be made with an in-person exam.- Nipple ischemia or necrosis is a known risk in all breast reductions, but it is rare in properly selected patients.
Every patient is unique — anatomy, history, physical exam, tissue quality, goals, skin elasticity, and surgical risk profile all change what is indicated / recommended.
Because of this, this should not be taken as personal medical advice. The next step is always an in-person evaluation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can examine you and discuss individualized plan options.
Hope this helps!
— Georgina Nichols, MD FACS