Nipple Sparing Mastectomy
Many patients are candidates for mastectomy whereby surgical incisions are hidden underneath the breast mound and the Nipple and Areola may be preserved. Initially promoted for BRCA gene positive patients undergoing preventative or “prophylactic mastectomies”, this method of “nipple sparing mastectomy” has been safely extended to the care of patients with early stage breast cancers. Patients with tumors < 5 cm in size and located 2 cm away from the nipple have been included in studies validating this more aesthetic form of mastectomy. Other patients with larger tumors have elected to be treated with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy prior to mastectomy to shrink the size of their tumors such that they may become candidates for nipple-sparing mastectomy thereafter.
Breast size and nipple location are important considerations to discuss with Dr. Marga at the time of your initial consultation. Large breasted patients may be candidates for breast reduction and preservation of the nipple in the setting of lumpectomy and breast conservation. Others undergo breast lifting or mastopexy as an integral part of the reconstructive process either before implant reconstruction or after natural breast flap reconstruction. Incorporating a breast reduction or breast lifting are sophisticated means of allowing our patients to undergo nipple sparing breast surgery while safely being treated for breast cancer or in the setting of preventative prophylactic mastectomies.
Dr. Marga would be pleased to address all of your questions regarding nipple sparing surgery options. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation to define the most appropriate oncoplastic surgical options for your after cancer care.