Preserving Nipple Sensation & Function

If you are large breasted and considering a Los Angeles breast reduction surgery, you have likely considered many of the benefits. But in order to make the best decision for yourself you will need to consider some of the possible aftereffects, such as loss of nipple sensation or inability to breastfeed.

If you have questions about these or other aspects of a Southern California breast reduction, request your consultation through Inside Online with Dr. Stevens, Dr. Spring, or Dr. Stoker. Our Inside Online system provides Web visitors with a number of Web-exclusive benefits, including access to free consultations at select times.

What we call the nipple is actually made up of two parts: the nipple and the areola (the darkened skin around the nipple). The nipple itself is attached to milk ducts, allowing mothers to nurse their babies. Unfortunately, milk ducts that separate from the nipple do not heal themselves, so if there is separation, it is permanent. When a free nipple graft is performed with the traditional breast reduction, the nipple and areola are temporarily detached from the breast (and, likewise, from the milk ducts). Free nipple grafts allow the surgeon to remove excess tissue (thereby reducing the size of the breast) as well as to reposition the nipple higher up on the breast to create a younger appearance.

The good news for women from the Los Angeles area is that newer breast reduction methods have been developed that help to retain nipple sensation and the ability to breastfeed. These new methods, such as liposuction breast reduction, pedicle breast reduction, laser-assisted breast reduction and the Laser Bra Lift, are less invasive and require fewer incisions than the free nipple graft method. But most specifically, they don't normally require free nipple grafts, which in turn helps to protect the nipple and its functions.

Laser-assisted breast reduction and the Laser Bra Lift. No free nipple graft is performed the patient may retain nipple sensation and the ability to breastfeed. The specific incisions will be determined by the patient and her physician during the pre-operative consultation.

Liposuction breast reduction. This method requires fewer incisions than a traditional Beverly Hills breast reduction and the incisions are much smaller as well. A nipple graft is not required and no incision is made on the nipple. The nipple is not repositioned on the breast. The limitations of liposuction breast reduction are that only a small to moderate amount of breast tissue may be removed and the skin is not tightened.

Based on your physical condition and your breast reduction goals, you and your surgeon will decide on the best method to achieve the results you want. This is a good time to ask any further questions you may have regarding a breast reduction in Santa Monica, and changes to the nipples.