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Do I have to get nipples removed for breast reduction?

I was told that because of my large breast size(measurement 15 from crease underneath to nipple, im guessing they used cm) that I would have to have my nipple removed or I may end of losing it due to tissue death. Is this true? Is there a way I can get a reduction with my nipple repositioned instead of removed? Thanks

Doctor Answers 5

Find a new surgeon

June 6th, 2016
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I would venture that is is almost never required to remove the nipple.  15 cm is not that long.  You have run up against a very old fashioned surgeon, or one that was poorly trained.  Find a new surgeon.

Web reference: http://www.plasticsurgery-sanantonio.com/breast/breast-reduction/

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS
June 6th, 2016

Find a new surgeon

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
I would venture that is is almost never required to remove the nipple.  15 cm is not that long.  You have run up against a very old fashioned surgeon, or one that was poorly trained.  Find a new surgeon.

Learn more: http://www.plasticsurgery-sanantonio.com/breast/breast-reduction/

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS

Free nipple graft

June 4th, 2016
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I almost never perform a free nipple graft, and my inclination to perform a free nipple graft will go up when the distance from the fold to the nipple is greater than 20 cms.  I have treated many large breasted women using a standard inferior pedicle.

Web reference: https://www.stevenwallachmd.com/breast-procedures/breast-reduction-new-york/

Steven Wallach, MD
June 4th, 2016

Free nipple graft

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
I almost never perform a free nipple graft, and my inclination to perform a free nipple graft will go up when the distance from the fold to the nipple is greater than 20 cms.  I have treated many large breasted women using a standard inferior pedicle.

Learn more: https://www.stevenwallachmd.com/breast-procedures/breast-reduction-new-york/

Steven Wallach, MD

Do I have to get nipples removed for breast reduction?

June 3rd, 2016
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Thank you for your question.  In my practice, I've never had to detach the nipple as part of a breast reduction.  This includes many breast reductions performed with sizes much larger than yours.  It's usually left as a last resort option if tissue viability is potentially compromised at the end of a case.  Be sure to consult with several experienced board certified plastic surgeons.  Good luck.

Web reference: http://www.farrismd.com/breast-procedures-dallas/breast-reduction/

Zachary Farris, MD, FACS
June 3rd, 2016

Do I have to get nipples removed for breast reduction?

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Thank you for your question.  In my practice, I've never had to detach the nipple as part of a breast reduction.  This includes many breast reductions performed with sizes much larger than yours.  It's usually left as a last resort option if tissue viability is potentially compromised at the end of a case.  Be sure to consult with several experienced board certified plastic surgeons.  Good luck.

Learn more: http://www.farrismd.com/breast-procedures-dallas/breast-reduction/

Zachary Farris, MD, FACS

Free nipple grafting

June 3rd, 2016
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Nipple removal and grafting is only used in patients with an extremely long nipple to inframammary-mammary crease distance. In order to appropriately position the nipple, it must be removed and replaced as a graft. Nipple necrosis and sloughing is a risk in either type of procedure.  Discuss your concerns with your surgeon so that you can have a better understanding of the procedure, the reasons which might necessitate it and the risks.
Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS
June 3rd, 2016

Free nipple grafting

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Nipple removal and grafting is only used in patients with an extremely long nipple to inframammary-mammary crease distance. In order to appropriately position the nipple, it must be removed and replaced as a graft. Nipple necrosis and sloughing is a risk in either type of procedure.  Discuss your concerns with your surgeon so that you can have a better understanding of the procedure, the reasons which might necessitate it and the risks.
Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS

Breast reduction

June 3rd, 2016
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Photos are essential for a question like this. I will say that free nipple grafting today is extremely unusual but there is still a place for it. Even if it is done the complication you're describing  can happen book is extremely unusual.
Sherwood Baxt, MD

Sherwood Baxt, MD
Paramus Plastic Surgeon
3.8 out of 5 stars 25 reviews

June 3rd, 2016

Breast reduction

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Photos are essential for a question like this. I will say that free nipple grafting today is extremely unusual but there is still a place for it. Even if it is done the complication you're describing  can happen book is extremely unusual.

Sherwood Baxt, MD
Paramus Plastic Surgeon

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