Nipple sparing mastectomy

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hoopmess
hoopmess Member Posts: 3
edited September 2015 in Breast Reconstruction

I'm considering nipple sparing mastectomy. My doctor said one of the risks is the nipple losing blood flow and necrotizing. I'm trying to decide if the risk is worth retaining a nipple that would not have any feeling in it anyway when I could later get a nipple built that would not have any feeling in it either. My question to those that have one of each (one built, one spared) is this: Was it worth it to you? Would you do the same thing again or would you not spare the nipple and go straight to having them both built? Thank you for any input!

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  • besa
    besa Member Posts: 1,088
    edited September 2015

    I have one of each and feel the cosmetic result is better with the spared nipple. (In both cases I have tissue reconstruction-one side diep and the other side sGAP.) I was told if the spared nipple failed they could just go back and reconstruct the nipple - so in my mind not a big risk. From the research i did the success of a spared nipple depends mainly on the skill of the breast surgeon who does the mastectomy (more than the ps who does the reconstruction.) Because of this you would want to use a breast surgeon Who has done many successful ns mastectomies.

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  • marketingmama
    marketingmama Member Posts: 161
    edited September 2015

    I had nipple sparing and while losing sensation is a bit sad, I think it helps me emotionally to still have something that was from me prior to surgery. They also look totally normal. I knew of the risk but figured it the nipples didn't survive the PS could still rebuild at a later point. Id try it and know there's always a backup should that be needed.

    And yes, the skill and experience of your surgeons cannot be underestimated!


    Good luck

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  • mysunshine48
    mysunshine48 Member Posts: 1,480
    edited September 2015


    Hi, I had nipple sparing and it all went well. My doctor had mr put nitro glycerin on my nipples for 4 days after surgery. (RX) That encourages blood flow to the nipples. Weird, when you get a little headache, that is good. Means it is working. One turned pink in a week, the other took a little longer, but both did and I hsve had my expanders for over 5 months. My exchange is this coming Friday! A little nervous, but ready!


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  • Crescent5
    Crescent5 Member Posts: 442
    edited September 2015

    My nipples don't have feeling, but they stick out when it's cold and they make me look like me. I almost lost one after surgery, but she made it!! I'm very glad to have been able to keep them.

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  • hoopmess
    hoopmess Member Posts: 3
    edited September 2015

    Thank you so much for all of your input! I was fresh from the surgeon and a little freaked out the day that I posted my question. I just need the voice of experience on this side of the knife. Again, thank you <3

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  • TNBCat37
    TNBCat37 Member Posts: 24
    edited September 2015

    I read a survey results before many women feel a breast is not a breast without nipple. I had nipple sparing mastectomy and very happy with it

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