Is there a way to fix misplaced nipple grafts? (Photo)

Question

Hi I had a double mastectomy a few years ago. Recently, I underwent surgery to get implants but my nipples were moved during the mastectomy And are now super high and out of place. Is there a way to move the nipple? Also Can anything be done about the scarring? Thank you.

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thanks for the question This seems like the nipples were placed in the wrong position. Was this surgery carried out by a plastic reconstructive surgeon? In order to move this to a differnt position will mean more scarring and is not a completely straight forward procedure. With implants underneath, you do have to be careful to not incise too deeply or the implants can become exposed. The scarring can be revised and neatened up but you will end up with more extenisve scarring to move the nipple to the correct positionI hope this is of helpBW

Justin West, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for the question. It's clear that your nipple position is off, but hard to tell exactly how much because of the angle of your photo. A straight on picture would be very helpful. That being said, from what I can see in the picture it looks like you need to start over. I would excise the grafts you have and start over. You can do a new nipple reconstruction in the center of each breast, followed by tattoos. Or skip the nipple reconstruction and just go directly to 3-D or standard tattoos. Your insurance should cover this. Best of luck.
Dr West

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Did you plastic surgeon do the nipple repositioning, or your breast general surgeon? A lot of breast general surgeons are trying to do plastic surgery components of breast reconstruction without proper training. I'm not saying that is the case but this does appear that the nipple grafts were placed too high and too lateral. That could be a partial optical illusion if your implants have dropped significantly, which can make the nipples look too high for the breast mound even if they were not placed too high with respect to anatomic landmarks. If you are happy with the position and shape of the breast mounds (they look pretty good in the picture), the solution is transplanting the nipple/areola complexes as free nipple full thickness skin grafts and then closing the hole with either a skin graft from another location (preferably somewhere you already have a scar if possible), or a purse-string wound closure followed by laser treatment. Closing the donor site of the nipple into a line will result in a long linear scar that is not ideal in that location. Make sure you see a board-certified plastic surgeon.

David A. Lickstein, MD · Answer

They can be moved as grafts.  But also important to consider whether the implants have descended and the nipple now appears high because it is on the top of the breast mound.  Measurements and an exam can help answer this question.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Yes there is. I would recommend removal of the N/A grafts as full thickness skin grafts and place in a more desired anatomic area. Than use the donor skin as the replacement full thickness graft to the areas the N/A grafts came from. Best to seek a few in person opinions from only boarded PSs.

Is there a way to fix misplaced nipple grafts? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Nipple position

Answer: Nipple position

Answer: Is there a way to fix misplaced nipple grafts?

Answer: Is there a way to fix misplaced nipple grafts?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Nipple Surgery

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

Is there a way to fix misplaced nipple grafts? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Nipple position

Answer: Nipple position

Answer: Is there a way to fix misplaced nipple grafts?

Answer: Is there a way to fix misplaced nipple grafts?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Nipple Surgery

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