Breast lift without nipple transplant?

Question

I am interested in a breast lift. However, my breasts sag considerably and nipples need to be raised much, much higher. Can this be achieved with raising nipples and connective tissue? Meaning without removing nipples - I don't want to lose nipple function. And I am happy with my breast size - D cup.

Rodger Shortt, FRCSC · Answer

I love breast lift surgery.  I love shaping the breast tissue to create a perky, beautiful breast. I have a large breast practise, yet, in all the years I have been doing this I have never removed a nipple.  Not once!  Not even on a breast that hung below my patient's belly button. It might be needed, but not frequently.  Perhaps a second opinion with another surgeon is a good idea.  If they both say it is likely then you at least know that you have done your research.Dr Rodger ShorttOakville Plastic SurgeonAssistant Clinical Professor &Director of Cosmetic Surgery Training,McMaster University

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello
dear, thanks for your question and provided information as well..
The breasts may lose their elasticity and firmness which can be caused by
different factors such as pregnancy, massive weight loss, lactation and aging.
To reaffirm the breasts and restore the natural look your surgeon can perform a
mastopexy or breast lift. A breast lift
restores a firmer, perkier, and more aesthetically pleasing shape to sagging
breasts. This not only can improve a patient’s appearance by restoring her
youthful, feminine proportions, but  also help bras and swimsuits fit
more comfortably and attractively. By removing excess, stretched out skin,
reshaping the breast tissue, and raising the nipple & areola into a more
forward position, a cosmetic surgeon can create a more youthful breast
contour. Stretched, large areolae can also be reduced during breast
lift surgery, creating an overall better proportioned, natural looking breast, Actually
the perkiness on a person or another, depends on patients skin and breast
tissue, hugs!

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

for quite some distance but nipple function may still be altered with that.  Nipple grafts do regain some function such as hardening to stimulation and on rare occasions, can regain sensation.  Pedicled nipples do not guarantee that your sensation will be preserved and have more chances of compromise.  Sometimes, you have to accept things in order to do what you desire...

Andrea Basile, MD · Answer

Your question highlights both a common and valid concern of women considering breast rejuvenation, but also a common misconception about the breast lift procedure.Taking the second issue first, it is very uncommon in the practice of a plastic surgeon with experience in breast rejuvenation, to "disconnect" the nipple and areola only to move it and "reconnect" it somewhere else on the breast. In this so-called "free-nipple graft" technique, the nipple will lose all feeling and functionality, though in rare cases can redevelop a sense of pressure.Instead, the nipple/areola position is changed by removing skin above it, to make room for it in the position you want, and re-wrapping the skin-bra around it. The nipple remains attached to the same breast tissue below it has always been a part of.Losing feeling to the nipple is uncommon in the breast lift or breast reduction procedure. While everyone goes through a postoperative period where things feel numb- this feeling is usually replaced by a short phase of hypersensitivity, then normalization. This process may take a few days or as long as a year or more. But it is uncommon. If, however, the nipple, areola, and breast is a critical erogenous zone for a woman, they should think long an hard about that risk before proceeding with breast tailoring.I hope this explanation helps.Be well.-drB

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

In well over 30 years of performing mastopexy (breast lift) I have never removed the nipple. They are simply transferred to a higher position on a deep tissue pedicle. Even with breast reduction, I have not removed and transplanted a nipple in almost as many years by modifying the tissue that supports the nipple. Make sure you see a board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in breast surgery.

Robert M. Grenley, MD (retired) · Answer

Breast lifts elevate and reshape the breasts while reducing the amount of overhang, elevating the nipple position, and reducing the diameter of the areola if it is too large. The nipple is left attached to the underlying breast tissue and elevated along with the underlying breast, so it is not completely detached, and nipple sensation and function is typically preserved.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

There are several types of breast lift that involve resizing the areolas, lifting the areolas to a more aesthetic location on the breast and reshaping the breast to a higher location with a more youthful contour. The areola stays attached, it is never removed except in extreme cases of breast reduction, not lift.

Sherwood Baxt, MD (retired) · Answer

Photos are very helpful with this type of question. As a general rule, free nipple grafts are very rarely do today even with extremely large breasts. Make sure you are speaking to a BCPS and get several opinions and I am sure you will do well.

Tarick K. Smiley, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Regardless of the breast lift technique used in surgery, there is always a risk of numbness (partial or complete).  However, there are several ways to minimize such risk, including gentle dissection and leaving the nipple-areolar complex still attach to its stalk (blood supply and nerves) when repositioning it higher, as opposed to removing it completely.In general, you must always select a board-certified plastic surgeon (American Board of Plastic Surgery affiliate) who performs hundreds of breast surgeries every year.

Breast lift without nipple transplant?

Answers (9)

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