There have been a lot of questions recently regarding nipple sparing mastectomy, so I wanted to provide a closer look at the topic.
What is a nipple sparing mastectomy?
A nipple sparing mastectomy is a technique that preserves the nipple, areola, and all the breast skin. With a nipple sparing mastectomy, only the breast tissue under the skin and nipple-areola complex is removed.
What are the benefits of a nipple sparing mastectomy?
Studies show that in appropriate candidates, nipple sparing mastectomy provides the same level of cancer control as traditional mastectomy. It also allows the patient to keep the same natural looking appearance as before. No further surgery is needed to create a nipple areola complex, which is also an advantage of this procedure.
In some cases, the patient may also be able to maintain some nipple-areola sensation as well. It is important to note however, that feeling in the nipple is usually significantly reduced and often lost completely.
Are you a candidate for nipple sparing mastectomy?
Nipple sparing mastectomy may be available for patients whose tumor is small and positioned away from the nipple. Patients with very early stages of cancer such as ductal carcinoma in situ may also be candidates for the procedure. During surgery, a biopsy of the tissue removed from behind the nipple-areolar complex will be sent to pathology to make sure that there is no cancer under the nipple or areola.
PRMA also offers nipple sparing mastectomy to BRCA+ patients and other patients at high risk of breast cancer undergoing preventative (prophylactic) mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction.
To learn more about this procedure or to find out if you may be a candidate, call 800.692.5565 or email patientadvocate@prmaplasticsurgery.com.
Author: Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo and Brandy (Korman) Haslam
A nipple sparing mastectomy is a technique that preserves the nipple, areola, and all the breast skin. With a nipple sparing mastectomy, only the breast tissue under the skin and nipple-areola complex is removed.
Leave Comment
Sign Up for Our Monthly Newsletter
Continue Reading
A Year in Review at PRMA – 2020
A Year in Review at PRMA – 2020 December 28, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin The COVID-19 global pandemic is an event that has made 2020 a year like no other. It can be hard to feel optimistic or reflect on the good with a year full of unprecedented change. “This past year has […]
Reducing the Risk of Chronic Opioid Use After Breast Reconstruction with ERAS Protocol
Reducing the Risk of Chronic Opioid Use After Breast Reconstruction with ERAS Protocol December 16, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin A study presented at the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium reported that women with breast cancer may be at a high risk of developing a chronic opioid addiction following mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. […]
Hospital Stay After DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: What to Expect
Hospital Stay After DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: What to Expect December 09, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Following DIEP flap breast reconstruction, patients are typically in the hospital for about 2-3 days. During that time, patients often wonder what they should expect. Here is what a typical hospital stay for PRMA patients entails… Flap […]
Breast Reconstruction Surgery and Your Period
Breast Reconstruction Surgery and Your Period December 02, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin During our pre-operative appointment with patients, a topic that occasionally arises is menstrual cycles. It is completely normal for women to experience changes with their periods throughout breast cancer treatments. These can be temporary or permanent. Periods can be unpredictable following […]
What Bras and Abdominal Girdles to Wear After Breast Reconstruction Surgery
What Bras and Abdominal Girdles to Wear After Breast Reconstruction Surgery November 17, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin When preparing for breast reconstruction surgery, many patients want to know what types of bras and abdominal girdles they should plan to wear after surgery. Although every surgeon has slightly different preferences, we have put together […]
My 5 DIEP Flap Realities | A Guest Blog From Julie
My 5 DIEP Flap Realities October 28, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Hi everyone, my name is Julie from It’s a Bosom Thing. I am so happy to be here as a guest blogger and have this opportunity to share with you a few thoughts about life after DIEP Flap Surgery. I was diagnosed […]
PRMA’s BRA Day Virtual Event Recap
PRMA’s BRA Day Virtual Event Recap October 22, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Yesterday we celebrated Breast Reconstruction Awareness day! Although we missed seeing everyone in person this year, we were still able to spread education and awareness on ALL reconstructive options through our virtual efforts. We were also able to share information on […]
Second Stage DIEP Flap Surgery
Second Stage DIEP Flap Surgery September 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin DIEP flap breast reconstruction is typically comprised of at least two stages for the best outcomes. The second stage of surgery is commonly referred to as the “revision” stage and is usually performed about three months after the initial reconstruction. The purpose […]
If ‘Flaps’ Are Such A Great Breast Reconstruction Option, Why Doesn’t Everyone Get Them?
If ‘Flaps’ Are Such A Great Breast Reconstruction Option, Why Doesn’t Everyone Get Them? September 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Flap-based breast reconstruction procedures, like the DIEP flap, offer patients a safe, natural implant-alternative option to reconstruction after a mastectomy. Flap surgeries are permanent and are associated with fewer complications after radiation when […]
What is a Skin Island and How is it Used in Breast Reconstruction?
What is a Skin Island and How is it Used in Breast Reconstruction? September 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin What is a “skin island”? The term “skin island” is used to describe the remaining visible skin from a transplanted “flap” of tissue. In the setting of DIEP flap breast reconstruction, the skin island […]
No Comments