Nipple removal during breast lift? Is it ever necessary? (photos)

There is many ways to perform techniques and this way is but one that has been described by this surgeon. I can see why he has said this but there are other techniques available too that might helpThe problem is that you have thin skin with a ptotic breast and a narrow base.Perhaps to help you reach a definite decision you could see another couple of surgeons tooGood luck!

It is correct: following standards of practice followed by 95% of surgeons in the world you are a case for free nipple grafting technique, a foolproof one which secures the survival of the nipples however annulating breastfeeding, areolar contraction and sensation at the nipples.The function / sensation sparing techniques would be of an unacceptable risk in your extremely low and saggy breasts.However there are surgeons performing personal techniques or personal tweaks of classical ones which my offer to you sensation preservation still within an envelope of reduced risks and high success rates.I perform in cases as low and way lower than yours such special procedures of breast lift / reduction not disconnecting the nipples from the sensorial and vascular control of the body.See the link below to find few cases of my own practice very similar to yours which I had the opportunity to operate successfully on, sharing a lot of common features with the technical problem you have posted.If you wish better grounded opinion well lit, focused and standard images have to be assessed: frontal, both lateral and both oblique views, also from underneath.Feel free to request any additional information from me.

Hi Postey1981,

Breast lift surgery aims to re-volumize the breast with either and natural implant or fat grafting followed by nipple repositioning using the lift. I prefer to use a vertical incision (lollipop pattern) breast reduction technique instead of the anchor scar pattern for more significant lifts. This reduces more noticeable scarring than usual. Mastopexy that requires less than 2cm of lift only needs a donut incision. Every incision is also closed in five precise layers without using reactive sutures that can cause inflammation and eventual scarring.

If you are considering a breast lift, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and make sure your surgeon understands your goals. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for providing pictures, you seem to be a great candidate for a breast lift with implants for upper fullness. Always see a board certified PS to go over all your options.Best wishes.

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well.. not necessary take off the nipples only reconstruction.based on your photos, I see that you are a good candidate for a breast lift with implant, in your case ideally you are evaluated by a certified plastic surgeon in person to determine the technique and amount of cc you need to achieve the result you want.

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photograph, you are a
great candidate for a breast lift.  I do not think you need a free nipple graft (removal of nipple).  A breast lift can be designed to result in an
improved shape and contour of your breasts while minimizing scar
appearance.  Make sure you specifically look at before and after
pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon
and evaluate their results.  The most important aspect is to find a
surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a
qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

You are an excellent candidate for The Bellesoma Method.  This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed are maintained.  The nipples can be reduced to the size desired.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Rarely is nipple removal necessary for breast lift surgery. I recommend a second opinion.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author 

Thank you for your question and photos. The nipple and areola complex get their blood supply from the thoracic arteries that arises from the chest wall. As the breast elongates, the length of the arteries become longer in order to continue to supply blood to that area. When the breast undergoes a mastopexy or lift, that distance from chest wall to nipple complex is shortened, but the length of the vessel supplying the nipple is not. If the artery is too long it can become pinched off thus cutting off blood supply to the nipple and areola. Typically, during your consultation the distance from your chest to your nipple is measured. It is ideal to leave the nipple/areola complex intact but in some cases it is safer to remove it and relocate it as a graft. I would recommend obtaining a second opinion from a board certified plastic surgeon so that you feel comfortable with your surgical plan. In our office, we offer 3D imaging to help create an accurate idea of what your final result will look like. It allows you and our surgeon to work together to get the desired result. Good luck!

Without measurements & examining you is difficult to say for sure. But the reasoning your surgeon has given you is quite sound.  The worse thing that could happen would be to perform a pedicled lift & for you to lose one or both nipples. If you trust the surgeon & they are experienced & with a good reputation then you should take their advice.  If you aren't sure, then by all means obtain a second opinion.  All the best