For appropriate candidates, nipple-sparing mastectomy can be performed with any type of breast reconstruction. During this procedure, we’re able to remove nearly all of the breast tissue without removing the skin or nipple. However, it’s a more difficult procedure in that we use a much smaller incision, specialized tools, and light sources to complete it.
Ideal candidates are women with smaller breasts (typically A, B, and small C cup) who don’t have significant ptosis, meaning the nipple isn’t lower than the lower breast crease. It’s also important to note that the cancer cannot be in close proximity to the nipple and there can be no skin or chest wall involvement in order to be eligible.
The greatest benefit is in the post-operative appearance. When done well, it’s difficult to tell if a woman has had a mastectomy by looking at the breasts, which provides a physical and psychological benefit.
Nipple-sparing mastectomy and other breast surgery procedures will only continue to evolve – like improvement in implants and in microvascular techniques where we can use a woman's own tissue to reconstruct her breast. We’re also detecting cancer earlier with advancements in mammography, making more women a candidate for oncoplastic techniques.
– Dr. Lynn Canavan