Skin Sparing Mastectomy

A skin-sparing mastectomy will set the stage for an optimal scar pattern when reconstruction is completed. Typically, even though the nipple must be reconstructed, patients will have the same scars as if they had just had a breast lift or breast reduction. A skin-sparing mastectomy will set the stage for an optimal scar pattern when reconstruction is completed. Typically, even though the nipple must be reconstructed, patients will have the same scars as if they had just had a breast lift or breast reduction.

Just diagnosed for the 3rd time & had a double mastectomy and reconstruction during one surgery 3 weeks ago. Had the BEST surgeons in Santa Barbara and am forever grateful to them. Surprisingly the skin sparing went very well especially on my 20 yr. old radiated breast. They both said that they would not be able to spare my nipples so I had already made an appt. for tattoos and was considering nipple reconstruction. But, my genius surgeons in the middle of surgery decided to spare one nipple and part of the areola of the current breast cancer breast. I was so shocked and happy when my family shared the news with me after I came out of recovery. I gasped when they told me. So, even though I look in the mirror and see many stitches and atypical breasts at this point in time in the game looking back at me, seeing my nipple and part of the areola makes everything (including my psyche) more at ease. We are all dealt different cards on this journey and this aspect of my recovery has definitely lifted my spirits. Others not going through this journey may say it doesn't matter, but it does and I am truly grateful. I would have dealt with whatever was handed my way, but again, I am very happy with my outcome and can't wait to see how 'they' turn out after my final implant surgery in April! I had a great experience with the skin sparring surgery although we weren't able to save the nipple on one of my breast. I was able to have reconstruction done at the same time of mastectomy because my plastic surgeon did a skin sparring/nipple sparring double mastectomy and reconstruction all at once. I must say the results on my self-esteem were tremendous. I was already without air and felt crappy from chemo, being able to spare myself the trauma to be without breasts for many months, even a year was something wonderful to me.

I am quite happy with the results. Both breasts being perfectly similar (just had a nipple graff a few months ago). I think this is a wonderful medical alternative when you are sure you want to have reconstruction done. I think the younger the patient the more pertinent this may sound.

Mary

Nipple sparing mastectomy is not an option for all women, and often is not even offered to those for whom it is. At the time, I had not heard of this option, but asked my surgeon if this was possible. He explained that it was a relatively new option but that in many cases, came with no added risk. Needless to say, I was thrilled when he said I was likely a candidate. He mentioned that if he were to find cancer in too close to the area, he would have to remove them, but that most likely I would wake up with my nipples. There was no question in my mind that I should have to agree to the removal of the nipples and added recon if it was not necessary.

Nipple sparing mastectomy is not an option for all women, and often is not even offered to those for whom it is. At the time, I had not heard of this option, but asked my surgeon if this was possible. He explained that it was a relatively new option but that in many cases, came with no added risk. Needless to say, I was thrilled when he said I was likely a candidate. He mentioned that if he were to find cancer in too close to the area, he would have to remove them, but that most likely I would wake up with my nipples. There was no question in my mind that I should have to agree to the removal of the nipples and added recon if it was not necessary.