Do You Still Have Nipples After A Mastectomy?
Wondering if you still have nipples after a mastectomy? Learn what happens during the procedure, nipple-sparing options, and what to expect post-surgery.
Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 12th Jul, 2025
Introduction
If you or a loved one is considering or has undergone a mastectomy (surgical removal of one or both breasts), you may have questions about what happens to the nipples. It’s a common concern, and understanding your options can help you feel more prepared and confident in your journey.
What Happens to Nipples During a Mastectomy?
Whether nipples are removed or preserved depends on the type of mastectomy and your personal health situation. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Total (Simple) Mastectomy
The entire breast tissue, including the nipple and areola, is removed.
This is often done when cancer is present or as a preventive measure for high-risk patients.
2. Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
Only the breast tissue is removed, while the nipple and areola are preserved.
This option is possible if there’s no cancer near the nipple area.
It helps maintain a more natural appearance, especially if reconstruction is planned.
3. Skin-Sparing Mastectomy
Most of the breast skin is preserved (except the nipple and areola).
This is often done when immediate breast reconstruction is planned.
4. Areola-Sparing Mastectomy
The nipple is removed, but the darker skin around it (areola) is kept.
This is less common but may be an option in certain cases.
Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Tips
Why Might Nipples Need to Be Removed?
The nipples might need to be removed because of the following:
Cancer Risk: If cancer is found near the nipple, removing it reduces the risk of recurrence.
Preventive Measure: In high-risk cases (like BRCA gene mutations), removing the nipple ensures no breast tissue is left behind.
Surgical Necessity: Sometimes, preserving the nipple isn’t possible due to blood supply issues.
Can Nipples Be Reconstructed?
Yes, if your nipples are removed, you have options to restore their appearance:
1. Surgical Nipple Reconstruction
A plastic surgeon creates a new nipple using skin from the reconstructed breast.
Done after breast reconstruction has healed.
The areola can be tattooed later for a natural look.
2. 3D Nipple Tattooing
A medical tattoo artist shades the area to look like a nipple and areola.
No surgery is needed. Just a tattooing procedure.
3. Prosthetic Nipples
Silicone or stick-on nipples can be used temporarily.
These are removable and customisable.
How Does Losing Nipples Affect Sensation?
If nipples are removed, you’ll lose sensation in that area. Nipple-sparing mastectomies may preserve some feeling, but it varies from person to person.
Tips for Emotional and Physical Recovery
Losing a nipple (or both) can be emotionally challenging. Here’s how to cope:
1. Talk to a Counsellor or Support Group: Many women find comfort in sharing their experiences with others who’ve gone through similar journeys.
2. Consider Reconstruction Options: If appearance is important to you, discuss reconstruction with your surgeon.
3. Wear Comfortable Clothing:
Soft bras or camisoles can help during healing.
Prosthetic nipples or breast forms can restore symmetry under clothes.
4. Be Patient with Healing: Recovery takes time. Allow your body to adjust.
When to Consult a Doctor?
If you’re considering a mastectomy or have concerns about nipple preservation, talk to your surgeon. They can guide you based on your health needs.
Conclusion
Whether you keep your nipples or choose reconstruction, what matters most is your health and comfort. Every woman’s journey is unique, and there’s no right or wrong choice—only what feels best for you.
Consult Top Breast Surgeon
Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Tips
Dr. Amit Choraria
Surgical Oncologist
18 Years • MBBS, MS (Surgery) Fellow, Surgical Oncology, Tata Medical Center (FSO) Fellow, European Board of Surgery (Surgical Oncology) (FEBS) Fellow, Minimal Access Surgery (FMAS) Fellow, Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endosurgeons (FIAGES) UICC Fellow, Royal Marsden NHS, London, UK Visiting Scholar, Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, CGMH, Taiwan Fellow, Robotic Surgical Oncology, Vattikuti Foundation, USA
Kolkata
Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals , Kolkata, Kolkata
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Jayanti Thumsi
Breast Surgeon
21 Years • MBBS,MS,Clinical Attachment
Bengaluru
Apollo Hospitals Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru
(200+ Patients)
Dr. Sudip Roy
General and Laparoscopic Surgeon
33 Years • MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DA, FRCS - General Surgery (RCPS , Glasgow)
Kolkata
Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals , Kolkata, Kolkata
(200+ Patients)
Dr Supratim Bhattacharyya
Surgical Oncologist
11 Years • MBBS,MS,Mch(Surgical Oncology),Fellowship in Minimally Invasive GI Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery
Kolkata
Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals , Kolkata, Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Jayanti Thumsi
Breast Surgeon
21 Years • MBBS,MS,Clinical Attachment
Banglore
Apollo Cancer Centres HSR Layout, Banglore
Consult Top Breast Surgeon
Dr. Amit Choraria
Surgical Oncologist
18 Years • MBBS, MS (Surgery) Fellow, Surgical Oncology, Tata Medical Center (FSO) Fellow, European Board of Surgery (Surgical Oncology) (FEBS) Fellow, Minimal Access Surgery (FMAS) Fellow, Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endosurgeons (FIAGES) UICC Fellow, Royal Marsden NHS, London, UK Visiting Scholar, Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, CGMH, Taiwan Fellow, Robotic Surgical Oncology, Vattikuti Foundation, USA
Kolkata
Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals , Kolkata, Kolkata
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Jayanti Thumsi
Breast Surgeon
21 Years • MBBS,MS,Clinical Attachment
Bengaluru
Apollo Hospitals Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru
(200+ Patients)
Dr. Sudip Roy
General and Laparoscopic Surgeon
33 Years • MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DA, FRCS - General Surgery (RCPS , Glasgow)
Kolkata
Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals , Kolkata, Kolkata
(200+ Patients)
Dr Supratim Bhattacharyya
Surgical Oncologist
11 Years • MBBS,MS,Mch(Surgical Oncology),Fellowship in Minimally Invasive GI Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery
Kolkata
Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals , Kolkata, Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Jayanti Thumsi
Breast Surgeon
21 Years • MBBS,MS,Clinical Attachment
Banglore
Apollo Cancer Centres HSR Layout, Banglore
