Breast lift without nipple transplant?

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

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.