Is there still a place for free nipple areolar grafting in breast reduction surgery? A review of cases over a three year period.

Abstract

Breast reduction using the technique of free nipple areolar grafting still has a place in selected cases. The surgical technique used by the senior author is described together with an analysis of the 22 cases operated on including the results of a questionnaire from 20 of these patients. The results confirmed that the technique still has a use. Relief of pre-operative symptoms by the surgery was obtained in all and there was a high degree of satisfaction with both the cosmetic results and maintaining of shape. The main criticisms relate to scars and poor return of nipple sensation, appearance, and function. Overall this did not appear to be a major issue in this cohort of patients.