How much quicker are breast reductions with FNG? How long might the surgery take?

Question

I have been told that I will need a FNG in order to reduce my breasts the size that I want. I have heard that FNG are faster than traditional methods. I do like the idea of a faster surgery because I have health issues and that's less time in anesthesia. Can anyone tell me a rough estimate of how much faster FNG surgeries are? Can anyone give me a general range of how long a FNG surgery might take?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Free nipple graft in the best of circumstances may have a little bit of pigment change.  All sensation will be lost as well as projection.  The graft may not look natural or even survive.  Most methods of breast reduction can usually account for tremendous size reduction without performing a free nipple graft. The free nipple breast reduction can be performed faster than the pedicle reduction but I have no statistics relative to differences in time.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

A free nipple graft is almost never needed in a breast reduction. It is rarely used in cases where the nipple has to be moved a long distance.   It may cut down on surgery time a little but the nipple grafts don’t always end up looking so good.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

I never use free nipple grafting for breast reduction.  The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method.  This will reduce and reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief without excessive reduction.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.  Free nipple grafting results in nipple numbness, the nipple-areola complex can be deformed and necrose.    Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Elisa A. Burgess, MD · Answer

It might be best to clarify if FNG means free nipple grafts. There are a lot of acronyms and that is not a common one used. But if you mean free nipple grafts, then in my experience and with my patients, it does not speed up the process of surgery. The same surgery still needs to be done but the nipple areolar complex is removed and then put back on at the end of the case as a "free nipple graft". In this case there is no more feeling or erectile function to the nipple. The pt would not be able to nurse in the future since all the milk ducts have been disrupted to the nipple. In addition, there can be a calico pattern to the pigmentation as the graft slowly heals. Best to see a board certified plastic surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Astroaurora,
Breast reduction is best suited for women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts. While there are different techniques used to perform this surgery, I prefer the vertical incision (lollipop pattern) breast reduction technique instead of the anchor scar pattern, which reduces more noticeable scarring than usual. I also use a SAFE liposuction technique to reduce additional fat around the stubborn axilla area and bra line. This way, my patients are achieving beautiful results with minimal incisions which reduces downtime and delivers an overall better breast shape long term.If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and make sure your surgeon understands your goals. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Scott Tucker, MD · Answer

Free nipple graft is used in patient with extremely large breasts who want to be very small.  With superior pedicle techniques I have quit doing FNG procedures therefore having a better chance of maintaining nipple sensitivity.  A breast reduction takes from 1.5 to 3.5 hours depending on the amount of tissue that needs to be resected to get the desired result.
Hope this helps,
Dr. T

Sybile Val, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

in general, I would not do a free nipple graft in breast reduction surgery.   This will result in numbness and possible deformity.  Breast reduction is a surgery to reshape the breast as well as reduce some of the tissue.  Our goal is to give you nice shaped breast that look and feel nice.  Best to you.

How much quicker are breast reductions with FNG? How long might the surgery take?

Answers (7)

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