How significant is the risk of nipple necrosis with a Benelli lift?

Out of all the lift techniques the periareolar lift is definitely the safest. The Benelli is one specific type of periareolar lift that is NOT skin only as it involves a lot of dissection around the breast gland. A straightforward periareolar lift using the Hammond wagon wheel technique will give the most reliable result with the least risk of complication. Whether or not you are a good candidate would require an in person examination with a board-certified plastic surgeon near you. Best of luck! 

Dear KWxx,
My preferred lift is a lollipop lift when a periareolar won't do (ie greater than 2cm lift required). The lollipop technique was created by a Canadian plastic surgeon named Elizabeth Hall-Findley and treats the breast as a three dimensional structure instead of two dimensions (anchor - lift). Most importantly it does not require the horizontal component scars that the anchor-lift requires and breasts appear much more natural, lifted, and less boxy. Lastly, the lift lasts longer because the lollipop doesn't rely on the skin to hold the breast up, its actually breast tissue thatsbeing brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity. 
If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

With the Benelli lift, I have never seen any areolar necrosis. The patients who have the most risk of areolar necrosis and loss of sensation are those who choose large implants and the full lift. Most keep sensation with the Benelli lift as well.

Hi KWxxThe risks of necrosis, sensation loss, and loss of ability with the Benelli Lift is low, especially compared to other breast lift procedures.Other excellent plastic surgeons may like this procedure, however I do not. The reason I don't care for it is because a significant elevation of the nipple is not possible, and I don't feel it is long lasting. Worse, the areola tends to stretch out despite techniques to prevent this.  (see my reference).If you are concerned about breast feeding, you should consider putting off a lift.If you are concerned only about size reduction then a Benelli type of procedure should be fine.All the best.sek

There are risks and potential complications from any surgical procedure.  Whenever a procedure is performed on a woman's breast the potential for loss of feeling and sensation of the nipple and the ability to breastfeed is present.  However, with a donut or Benelli mastopexy, that risk is less than other types of procedures performed on the breast.The patient's health and compliance with the surgeon's instructions before and after the procedure also play a large role in the final outcome.Always consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who performs breast enhancement procedures frequently to assure the best possible result.Good Luck!

The risks of a Benelli Mastopexy are actually not related to nipple sensitivity or the issue of breast-feeding. Because a Benelli Mastopexy is done at the skin level the likelihood of injuring nerves or the ductal tissue of the breast is extremely small. The blood supply to the nipple is also quite robust, so it is unlikely that there would be a loss of blood supply or necrosis following a Benelli Mastopexy. The risks of this procedure relate to the scarring around the nipple-areola complex and controlling the flattening of the breast. Unfortunately we have little control in terms of the healing of the rather thin breast skin around the nipple-areola complex, particularly when a circular closure is used. There is also a flattening of the nipple-areola complex as it is somewhat stretched by the tightening affect of the Mastopexy. Please speak to your Plastic Surgeon about these issues.

Dear KWxx,
I have two answers for you  on this topic. 
The first is directly related. In you, a healthy non-smoker, nipple necrosis is extremely unlikely to occur. I have never had necrosis except none patient with minimal breast tissue who had been operated unmanly times by other surgeons.
The second answer is more difficult. I abandoned the Benelli lift over 20 years ago as have most of my trusted, experienced colleagues all across the country. I had taken Dr. benelli's course and did the surgery exactly as he described. the results are too often NOT GOOD. Widened and stretched areolae are almost universal in time. The breast in flattened in the areolae and  in the area around the areola when viewed from the side, and it isn;t a very effective lift. Poor form does;t fade with time, while the scars for a properly done 3-dimensional tightening of the breast with a formal breast lift do.
Be sure you are cared for by a certified plastic surgeon, preferably a member of the Canadian society for Aesthetic ( Cosmetic ) Plastic surgery

Best wishes
Benjamin Gelfant MD FRCSC