Nipple Sparing Mastectomy
Nipple-sparing mastectomy is the latest evolution in mastectomy technique. The procedure preserves the entire skin envelope and nipple areola. Only the underlying breast tissue is removed. When combined with immediate breast reconstruction, nipple-sparing mastectomy provides superior cosmetic results without compromising cancer treatment. It can also improve the return of sensation in some patients.
What Is Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy?
Nipple-sparing mastectomy preserves the nipple and areola and all the breast skin envelope around it. Only the breast tissue under the skin and nipple-areola is removed. A skin-sparing mastectomy also preserves the breast skin envelope but unlike the nipple-sparing procedure, removes the nipple and areola.
At PRMA, we routinely offer nipple-sparing mastectomy to appropriate candidates. The procedure can be performed in conjunction with any type of breast reconstruction.
Who Is A Candidate?
Nipple-sparing mastectomy is an option for many patients with a small cancer located several centimeters away from the nipple-areola complex. Patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) can also be candidates depending on the location and distance from the nipple-areola. Recent studies strongly suggest that patients with cancers even closer to the nipple may also be candidates for the procedure without compromising cancer care; ultimately, this decision should only be made in consultation with your breast cancer surgeon.
Patients who need a significant breast lift for the best cosmetic results may not be ideal candidates; ultimately, this depends on the degree of lift required, the method of breast reconstruction chosen and surgeon experience.
During the surgery, the breast tissue on the underside of the areola is shaved away. In patients that have a known breast cancer, this tissue is sent as a biopsy to make sure there is no cancer under the nipple or areola. If this biopsy is negative then the nipple-areola can be preserved. If the biopsy is positive for cancer cells, the nipple and areola must be removed.
Key Information
- Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is the latest evolution in mastectomy technique
- NSM preserves the nipple, areola and all the breast skin envelope around it
- NSM can be performed in conjunction with any type of breast reconstruction
- NSM does not compromise cancer treatment when performed in appropriate candidates
PRMA Plastic Surgery Patient Stories
Oh what I would give to have found PRMA before my mastectomy, prosthesis, implants and 6 plus years of not being satisfied. I thank God every day for bringing PRMA into my life and I thank them for doing what they do so well. My wish is that PRMA reaches as many women possible early on so they too can benefit from the amazing work that they do for breast cancer patients. I promote PRMA every chance I have!
I would like to say is throughout the whole procedure from the first procedure, to the second procedure, to my final procedures I never felt less than a woman. I like my breast, and so the entire time I never felt like I was not a woman at any point. So definitely I would recommend PRMA to anyone and everyone.
I’m super excited and love the results and feel amazing. I want to let anyone listening to this know that I had the worst anxiety before my surgery thinking of everything you can imagine. I can say that this was 100% the right choice for me I love the way that I look. The process was much easier than what I expected.
I knew I wanted to have a mastectomy, but I didn’t know about breast reconstruction. Dr. Ledoux gave me ALL the options I had, and I really appreciated that!
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