Removing fat without losing nipple sensitivity. What procedure would be best? (Photo)

Question

I lost 150 pounds with diet and exercise. I’m a male who carries a lot of fat in my chest. I’ve built up my pec muscles pretty well in the gym, but now the fatty parts of my breasts hang low. My chest is much fatter than those that usually get this procedure. Losing my nipple sensitivity is a HUGE sacrifice that I don’t know if I’m willing to make. Is there anything that can be done to get the fat off my chest without losing sensitivity? Alternative procedures? Thank you so much

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and the photo you provided. It appears as though your problem is loose and excess skin rather than fat. So any other procedure that does not involve skin excision will not give you a better chest contour. Not every patient looses nipple sensation. However, if you are not prepared for the possible risks of a procedure, you should hold off. Good luck, be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

The only way for you to obtain the outcome you are seeking (in my opinion), is to remove the nipple-areola complexes as free nipple grafts and reapply them after removal of all the excess skin and fat. This is sometimes the only solution for the degree of gynecomastia that is demonstrated in this photo. This unfortunately comes with loss of some nipple/areola sensitivity.

James M. Economides, MD, FACS · Answer

From your photo, you have significant loose skin in addition to fat. If fat removal is only your concern, liposuction alone without skin excision would minimize the risk of nipple sensation loss. However, if you want a contoured chest, skin removal would be necessary. To optimize protection of sensation, I would recommend a pedicled nipple flap approach. I would not recommend a free nipple graft in this case as this technique would have 100% chance of sensation.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Most likely you have condition known as pseydogynecomastia.  Breast enlargement after significant weight gain and loss will created female like breast with stretched, saggy skin. In your case, best option to correct current deformity would be male breast reduction with removal of stretched skin and placement of nipple/areolas in better position. Depending of technique used, you may expect horizontal or keyhole pattern scars. Sensation is expected to be decreased but still present once healing is over. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon, is recommended. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Nice588341,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. 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

Removing fat without losing nipple sensitivity. What procedure would be best? (Photo)

Answers (5)