Is there such a thing as a breast lift that does not include ANY incision on/around the nipple? I need a breast lift, but I am extremely concerned about loss of sensation. Internet searches have yielded conflicting information. My breasts are large and have deflated after losing 100lbs. I'm aware that loss of sensation is usually temporary, but I'm not willing to risk it.
A breast lift by definition means moving the nipple and moving the breast. The only way to move the nipple and move the breast without making the typical incisions around the nipple and down, is to make a horizontal incision at the top of the breast and pull everything up. This is not usually done because for a couple reasons (i.e. very noticeable scar placement and inadequate lift). Therefore, if you want a lift that is in anyway cosmetically pleasing, it will need to involve an incision around the nipple. Because you are keeping the nipple attached the breast tissue, the risk of complete loss of nipple sensation is minimized., but there is no way to avoid it completely unless you opt to not have the surgery in the first place.
No
Unfortunately there is no way to avoid incisions around the nipple for a breast lift. Breast implants can be used to inflate and somewhat lift your deflated breasts. However if your nipples are below the inframammary fold line, (where the breast meets the chest wall) you definitely also need a breast lift with the implants.
As you say, in most cases any loss of sensation is usually temporary. Discuss this concern in more details with your surgeon during the consultation.
Ricardo L Rodriguez MD
Baltimore , Maryland
Plastic Surgeon