Will I regain sensation after Breast Reduction with Free Nipple Graft? Should I get a lift or liposuction on the sides? (Photo)

Question

I'm scheduled to have BR this in a few weeks. I scared. The picture I posted is not of me, however, I am very similar (almost thought it was). I am 5'5", 197 lbs. and I'm a 38H. My desire is to go to a C. I've been working out like crazy, but still have a small bra roll. I'm scheduled for the BR with Free Nipple Graft? Will I regain any sensation? Should I get a lift or liposuction on the sides? (even though I feel I can regain my 6-pack after surgery).

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Without your photos and an exam it is difficult to give you an accurate answer. Free Nipple Graft is only required in reduction of massively enlarged breasts. It results in inability to breast feed, 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 in extreme cases.

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

If you look like the photo you have posted, you really should not need a free nipple graft procedure. If you do decide to have the free nipple graft, you will not regain any nipple sensation. There are several other breast reduction techniques that can be utilized that will be likely to preserve your nipple sensitivity.

Charles Cope, MD · Answer

Hi. Free nipple grafts are rarely used in breast reduction surgery, and certainly not if you are like the photograph you have supplied. Have a look at the photos on the gallery on the attached link - none of these needed a free nipple graft. Decreased sensation is possible with any time of breast reduction, but you will definitely not gain normal sensation after a free nipple graft. Liposuction can sometimes be performed if you wish the area on the side of the chest to be flatter. Hope this helps with your decision. Regards Dr Charles Cope

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

In the photo you show, the nipple can easily be moved without a free nipple graft.  Free nipple grafts can look a bit weird, and they will not have normal sensation.  However, in a standard breast reduction, nipple sensation can also be lost, especially in larger reductions.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

If truly doing "freeN/A grafts" than very unusual to obtain returned sensation. Why the free graft??? is my question. And yes axillary lipo can help but it is an extra cost.//

Lisa Cassileth, MD, FACS · Answer

The answer is no, you will not have sensation after a free nipple graft. Often the areola alters its pigmentation as well (usually lightening up a lot). In addition, the milk ducts are no longer connected so the breast cannot produce milk. If the photo you show is similar to your breasts, most surgeons would not do a free nipple graft; this is usually done only in extreme cases of very low areolae in order to avoid areolar necrosis (nipple skin death).

Gil Kryger, MD · Answer

It's impossible to tell without examining you (or at least looking at your pictures), but I'm not sure I would have nipple grafts based on the photos you posted.Performing a medial pedicle (Lolipop) type breast reduction will at least give you some sensation and the nicest shape (no bottoming out).I would discuss this with your PS before you commit to a nipple graft type reduction.Good luck.

Will I regain sensation after Breast Reduction with Free Nipple Graft? Should I get a lift or liposuction on the sides? (Photo)

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