Breast lift with inverted nipple repair

Question

I am scheduled for an anchor lift and inverted nipple repair, both procedures will be done together. Is there an increased risk of complications (especially necrosis) having them together? I've read online comments from Drs, half say it's safe and half say it's not wise. I am 30yo, non-smoker/non-drinker, healthy, workout regularly, eat clean. I lost 100lbs 6yrs ago thru fitness/diet. Thoughts on the procedures being done together? It's cost effective but I don't want to risk recovery.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

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. Given your healthy description the potential for complications would likely be minimal, but again discuss this with your PS. You can also remember that #hypertrophic or #keloid scars can be a problem.  The worst are usually under the breast with
an #AnchorLift or inverted “T”.  These
can be treated like all thickened scars with re-excision, laser, kenalog/5-FU
injections, creams, silicone strips and other methods to reduce and improve
healing. Best of luck!

George Volpe, MD · Answer

Your plastic surgeon will be able to discuss with you the risks that you face if you perform a combined surgery such as this. All surgery has some risk and you must carefully weigh the benefits. You will need to ask yourself if there is a worst case scenario that happens to you, what would be outcome be and is it worth it. In my practice, I separate these two procedures. Often the breast lift can be performed first. Repair of an inverted nipple can often be performed at a later time under local anesthesia as an office-based surgery.

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

One of the major risks of breast lift, with or without augmentation, and breast reduction is areola/nipple tissue loss. The risk would depend on how much undermining or movement of the nipple areola was being done. With an inverted-T, with more than 4 cm of movement, the breast tissue has to be released quite a lot to move the areola upwards. I would personally not want to do both together, but perhaps other surgeons with more experience in doing them together would not find it a problem. Also there are different techniques, some cannot be done on women who want to breast feed in the future. When preserving the ability to breast feed, I would use pedicled flaps that go under the areola for support and that might increase the risk of problems with circulation, if it was borderline to begin with.

Ira H. Rex lll, MD · Answer

Much of surgery is about minimizing risk. In particular, breast lift surgery depends on maximizing blood flow to assure the best healing. The nipple and areola are usually at the area of least blood flow. Therefore, I prefer to do the inverted nipple repair after about six weeks of healing. This can usually be done in the office with a minimum of discomfort to the patient.

Robert J. Spies, MD · Answer

I would also perform the inverted nipple repair at a later date to avoid any additional risk of healing problems including loss of circulation to the nipple.  I would wait about three months.

Breast lift with inverted nipple repair

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Breast lift with inverted nipple repair

Answers (10)

Answer: And Breast Lift and Inverted Nipple Repair

Answer: And Breast Lift and Inverted Nipple Repair

Answer: Breast lift with inverted nipple repair

Answer: Breast lift with inverted nipple repair

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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