Mastectomies are common treatments, with upward of 100,000 women in the United States receiving one annually. However, there’s a difference between a standard mastectomy and a nipple-sparing mastectomy. Learn more about this procedure and its benefits.
Understanding Nipple-Sparing Mastectomies and How They’re Different From Traditional Mastectomies
Both nipple-sparing and traditional mastectomies remove the breast as part of a cancer treatment. You can have one or both breasts removed, the latter of which is a double mastectomy, or a bilateral mastectomy.
Where a nipple-sparing mastectomy diverges from the standard procedure is your cancer diagnosis and aesthetics. If your cancer surgeon feels it is appropriate, the nipple can be saved during the mastectomy. The surgeon will remove tissue near the areola and nipple but leave the skin intact. More so, the skin around the breast is maintained.
What Are the Benefits of a Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy?
If you’re eligible for a mastectomy and are debating between a standard or nipple-sparing procedure, review these benefits of the latter surgery as you make your choice. Your cancer surgeon will help determine whether saving the nipple is an appropriate option for you.
Might Alleviate Depression Risk
Although being cancer-free is a cause worth celebrating, the sudden loss of one’s breasts and the drastic changes this can bring about can cause depression or other mental health disorders. This can lead women to feel unattractive and unworthy, which can affect their relationships with a spouse or partner.
A nipple-sparing mastectomy, while still removing the breast, maintains its appearance. This could reduce a woman’s risk of depression related to the outcome of her surgery.
The Recovery Time Is the Same as a Standard Mastectomy
Although they’re slightly different procedures, the basics of standard and nipple-sparing mastectomies are the same. The recovery time doesn’t differ much between the procedures, so there’s no reason not to choose a nipple-sparing procedure if eligible.
Breast Reconstruction Is Easier
Since a nipple-sparing mastectomy restores more of the breast’s original shape, it’s simpler to rebuild the breast after removal with reconstructive surgery. Your surgeon might even recommend one-stage breast reconstruction. At the end of your reconstruction journey, the last few steps, which are often a nipple reconstruction and areola pigmentation, will not be required.
Discuss Nipple-Sparing Mastectomies with a Surgeon at Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery
If you’ve been recently diagnosed with breast cancer and want to see if you’re a good candidate for nipple-sparing mastectomy, reach out to The Breast Center at Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery. If you’re to speak about your nipple-sparing mastectomy, call 303-706-1100 today or fill out our online form.
