What to Expect from Nipple Reconstruction Surgery

Whether you lost your nipples through a mastectomy or you want to change the appearance of your breast, nipple reconstruction surgery can help.

If you’re thinking of getting this surgery done, read on for a quick guide on what you should expect.

1. What is nipple reconstruction?

Nipple reconstruction surgery is the procedure of adjusting the appearance of your nipple. Often, this surgical method goes with full or partial breast surgery. It is also possible to undergo nipple reconstruction surgery as an individual operation.

The goal of this surgery is to change the appearance of the nipple or reposition it on the breast. Surgical reconstruction can change the position, size, shape, texture, colour, and projection of the nipple and/or areola. Women seeking prophylactic mastectomies to prevent the possibility of breast cancer may undergo this type of surgery as well.

Methods used in nipple reconstruction surgery

Depending on the condition of your breasts, your doctor can choose among many different approaches to take. One way is to use the small skin flaps from your reconstructed breast. The surgeon will fold and suture them together to make the nipple.

If there is not enough tissue to create a nipple, the surgeon may use the skin graft method. They will instead take a skin graft from your abdomen, thigh, or buttocks. It’s also possible to take a graft from your other nipple if it’s unaffected by the procedure.

A common procedure to recreate a natural-looking areola is medical tattooing. Note that this method is not a surgical method and it will not elevate the nipple. You may still need nipple reconstruction surgery if you want an elevated nipple.

If you have a congenital condition, there may be no nipples at all. In this case, a breast surgeon can create a nipple for you. A medical tattooist can then add colour to the nipple and areola.

2. How long does it take?

Nipple reconstruction surgery is an outpatient surgery. That means you won’t have to stay in the hospital overnight to prepare for it. The length of this surgical procedure ranges from 30 minutes to a little over an hour.

If you’ve gotten breast implants, you must wait before getting nipple reconstruction. The wait may take 3 to 4 months before your surgeon performs this medical reconstruction. If the surgeon is taking skin from your body, nipple reconstruction can occur at the same time or later.

Tattooing will take 30-40 minutes but you must wait 3 months after the surgery. This will allow the wound ample time to heal. After the reconstruction procedure, you will get a nipple shield to protect it.

You leave these nipple guards on for around 3 days during which you can’t shower or bathe. After 2 weeks, the stitches get removed. In time, the nipple will settle.

3. Nipple reconstruction cost

The cost of nipple reconstruction depends on the complexity of the procedure. Dr Rizk will provide a written estimate of all costs, including hospital and anaesthetist fees, after your consultation.

Nipple reconstruction after a mastectomy is a medical procedure. Medicare and/or private health insurance may cover part of the cost of reconstruction after mastectomy. Nipple reconstruction as an aesthetic surgery is not covered by healthcare.

4. Possible complications

All surgery carries risks. Possible complications of nipple reconstruction surgery include infection, wound-healing problems, loss of the graft or flap tissue, scarring and asymmetry. There may be times when the tissue will need replacing or further surgery. Reconstructed nipples will also flatten and the tattoo may fade over time.

Among the nipple reconstruction methods, skin grafting has the highest rates of complications. There is also the possibility that your reconstructed nipple becomes less sensitive. This may have a minor negative effect on your sex life.

5. Preparing for nipple reconstruction surgery

Preparations for nipple reconstruction surgery is comparable to  preparing for breast surgery. When your surgery schedule is confirmed, your doctor will instruct you on preparations. These preparations may take weeks until your body becomes suitable for the surgery.

Your doctor will tell you to avoid drinking or eating certain things. You won’t be able to take some types of medications before your surgery as well. Prepare loose clothing to wear after the procedure.

There will be arrangements you have to make before you undergo the surgery. You will be unable to drive yourself home afterward due to the anesthesia. Get a friend or family member to drive you instead.

In the surgery room, your surgeon will draw markings on your breast to mark where he’ll make the incisions. Before the surgery begins, your doctor will inject a local anesthetic and an IV line into your arm.

Next steps

That’s it for our guide on what to expect from getting nipple reconstruction surgery.

Interested in getting your nipple reconstructed? Dr Rizk is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon operating in Sydney and around New South Wales.

Contact us to discuss nipple reconstruction.