Areola damage after benelli lift. (photos)

Question

Had a benelli lift and my nipples stretched to The size of large pepperonis. 3 revisions I was left with little nipple tissue, only painful sensation and scarring. Then we did a regular mastopexy hoping that would ease the tension on the areoles. Attempted tattooing 5 times but it only took in certain areas and won't come off the other ones. Is there any way to repair the sensation and also the hideous appearance? Pics are before, right after and now.

Nathan Eberle, MD, DDS, FACS · Answer

regardless of the type of lift procedure a patient undergoes, there can be changes in the sensation to the nipples: increased, decreased or the sensation could stay the same. Predicting this outcome is impossible for the surgeon without a crystal ball. As for the large perpperonis, this is a common problem with benelli "style" lifts as most surgeons do not attempt to control the size of the areola other than cutting it to a certain dimension, then it is typical that the entire areala complex will enlarge post-op. Some stretching and enlargement of the arleas will occur over time with most lifting procedure, and is more likely if an augmentation is performed at the same time. I am sorry to hear about your unfortunate outcome, trust the opinion of your properly trained plastic surgeon or possibly seek the opinion of another to help you accomplish your goals.good luck

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

The procedure is done on an outpatient basis under intravenous sedation and local or general anesthesia. As mentioned above there are a variety of techniques for these operations. Lollipop lift (vertical lift), donut (periareola) lift, Benelli lift, crescent lift, anchor lift  (inverted T ). Most commonly, we prefer the lollipop or donut lift because of the shape, small scars and easier healing. These newer techniques are utilized in the vast majority of cases, the rare exception being extremely large breasts. The nipple-areola complex is repositioned higher, the excess skin is removed, and the breast is reshaped in a pleasing contour and in a more normal position.The Benelli lift as performed by most surgeons is just the donut lift, removing a donut shaped piece of areola and skin then using a #Pursestring or double purse-string suture to tighten the skin.  A true Benelli actually will expose much of the breast through this incision and then the breast itself is shaped and lifted with sutures.  This is a more complex procedure and is often not done as describe by Dr. Benelli.All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk. Any breast operation can result in changes in sensation. This happens less with lifts than reductions but is still possible. Occasionally, minor complications occur and do not affect the surgical outcome. Major complications associated with this procedure are rare. The suitability of the breast lift procedure and specific risks may be determined during your consultation, and whatever differences in sensation you are feeling at this time should be discussed again with your surgeon in order to determine whether they will return to normal in the near future. Best of luck to you!

Areola damage after benelli lift. (photos)

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Areola damage after benelli lift. (photos)

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.