Breast Reconstruction Nipple Reconstruction FAQ

What is nipple reconstruction?

Nipple reconstruction involves the restoration of the nipple-areolar complex lost due to injury, breast cancer or other conditions.  A variety of different techniques exist for reconstruction of the nipple and its surrounding areolar tissue.  These include the use of skin grafts taken from other regions of the body, local flaps of breast skin that are shaped into a nipple, or the sharing of tissue from the opposite nipple-areolar region.  Additional techniques such as tattooing may be used to add color to the tissue if needed. 

Nipple reconstruction may be performed as a single surgical procedure, or combined with other breast reconstruction procedures.

Who is a good candidate for nipple reconstruction?

Anyone who is happy with their breast mound and wanting the projection from nipple reconstruction.

Where is the scar from nipple reconstruction?

The scar from nipple reconstruction is usually horizontally in the middle of your breast mound, often times, utilizing the same mastectomy scar.

What are the possible risks of nipple reconstruction?

Potential risks include loss of projection, bleeding, infection, pain, scarring, numbness, asymmetry, and need for additional surgery. Dr. Sood will discuss these risks further during your consultation.

How long is nipple reconstruction?

Nipple reconstruction surgery usually takes about 1 hour.

What is the typical recovery time for nipple reconstruction?

An outpatient procedure. You will be sent home on pain medicine and antibiotics. You will need to be off work for a few days.  You should not do any strenuous activity for at least 2 weeks following this procedure.

When do I return for a follow up visit?

You will be seen within a week.  Dr. Sood will determine if you will need any additional visits.

How long before I can return to work?

Most patients are able to return to work in a couple of days, depending on the work requirements.

How long before I can return to normal activity?

Most activities of daily living can be resumed within a few days.

Dr. Sood's primary goal is to provide excellent clinical results along with a high level of patient care and service. Patient satisfaction is our highest concern. We are dedicated to providing every patient with a pleasant experience, beginning with the first visit and continuing on through surgical procedures and treatments and postoperative care. We encourage patients to evaluate the benefits as well as the risks of each procedure within the confines of realistic expectations.