Facing surgery for breast cancer can feel overwhelming. Many women want effective treatment first. But they also want to feel good about their appearance in the future. A nipple sparing mastectomy offers an option that protects both health and appearance.
This technique removes the breast tissue while keeping the nipple and surrounding skin in place. For many women, this creates a more natural look after breast reconstruction.
What is a Nipple Sparing Mastectomy?
A nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is a modern surgical technique designed for women who need, or choose, to have their breast tissue removed. It can be done as treatment for breast cancer or as a risk-reducing step.
Unlike traditional mastectomy procedures, a nipple-sparing mastectomy removes the breast tissue through a small incision. The outer structures that you see, including the skin, the nipple, and the darker area around it called the areola, are left in place.
Immediately after the mastectomy, breast reconstruction is performed using either an implant or natural tissue. This approach maintains the appearance of the breast while ensuring the underlying cancerous or at-risk tissue has been removed.
NSM is considered by many surgeons as the current gold standard for mastectomy reconstruction. This is because of its ability to balance safety with aesthetics.
Dr. Stephen Madry performs nipple sparing mastectomy surgery in Barrington, IL.
How Does NSM Differ From a Skin-Sparing Mastectomy?
With a skin-sparing mastectomy, the breast skin is preserved, but the nipple is not. NSM is considered an evolution of this technique. That’s because it offers a more natural appearance and improved cosmetic results. But it doesn’t compromise the effectiveness of cancer treatment.
When Is Nipple Sparing Mastectomy Done?
Nipple sparing mastectomy is being used more often for women with early-stage breast cancer. It’s also a choice for those who carry genetic risks, such as a BRCA gene mutation.
Women who might otherwise choose lumpectomy and radiation therapy are candidates for NSM. Unlike lumpectomy, which almost always requires radiation afterward, NSM often avoids it. This approach helps protect the chest wall, lungs, and heart from long-term side effects. It may also reduce the risk of lymphedema, a type of swelling that can happen after breast cancer treatment.
Women with high genetic risk of breast cancer may choose NSM as part of a preventive mastectomy plan. Preserving the nipple and skin improves body image and overall satisfaction with reconstruction.
Will I Lose Sensation After NSM?
Loss of nipple sensation is common after nipple-sparing mastectomy, but the degree varies. Many women notice that the feeling in the nipple is significantly reduced at first, and in some cases, it may not return. Other women regain some level of nipple sensation over time, often improving within six months to a year after surgery.
What Are the Benefits of Nipple Sparing Mastectomy?
Nipple sparing mastectomy offers several potential advantages:
- Preserving the nipple often leads to a very natural appearance
- Smaller incisions and preservation of natural anatomy create smoother outcomes with less scarring
- Many women can avoid radiation therapy and its side effects
- It may reduce the risk of arm swelling and discomfort compared to lumpectomy and radiation
Does Nipple-sparing Mastectomy Increase the Risk of Cancer Returning?
NSM does not raise the risk of breast cancer coming back compared to more traditional mastectomy procedures. Recurrence rates are essentially the same, whether the nipple is preserved or not.
It’s important to understand that no surgery can completely eliminate the chance of recurrence. Breast cancer can still return even after a mastectomy, but the likelihood is not higher with a nipple-sparing procedure.
See an Experience Surgeon for a Consultation
Nipple-sparing mastectomy can be a great choice for women who qualify. It offers a more natural look after reconstruction and does not increase cancer risk. Partnering with an experienced breast reconstruction surgeon is the first step in determining if this procedure is right for you.
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer and want to learn more about nipple-sparing mastectomy, don’t delay! Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Stephen Madry in Barrington, IL, today!