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PRMA Plastic Surgery

A Closer Look Into Nipple Sparing Mastectomy

July 08, 2020

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.

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