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. M L Ezhilarasan
Reviewed by Dr. Md Yusuf Shareef MBBS, Advanced Certificate Course in Dermatology
Last updated on 13th Jan, 2026
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
(75+ Patients)
Dr. Ekollu Sindhu
General Surgeon
4 Years • MBBS,MS(General Surgeon)
Manikonda Jagir
Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, Manikonda Jagir
Dr. Anup Dhir
Plastic Surgeon
38 Years • MBBS MS (General Surgery) MCh (Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery) FECSM (Fellow of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine). Senior Consultant- Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery.
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr. V R N Vijay Kumar
Surgical Oncologist
9 Years • MBBS, MS (Gen. Surg.), DNB (Surg. Onco.)
Ahmedabad
Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad
Dr.vinod Kumar Singh
GI and General Surgery
8 Years • M.B.B.S, DNB General surgery.
New Delhi
Apollo Spectra Hospitals, New Delhi
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
(75+ Patients)
Dr. Ekollu Sindhu
General Surgeon
4 Years • MBBS,MS(General Surgeon)
Manikonda Jagir
Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, Manikonda Jagir
Dr. Anup Dhir
Plastic Surgeon
38 Years • MBBS MS (General Surgery) MCh (Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery) FECSM (Fellow of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine). Senior Consultant- Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery.
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr. V R N Vijay Kumar
Surgical Oncologist
9 Years • MBBS, MS (Gen. Surg.), DNB (Surg. Onco.)
Ahmedabad
Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad
Dr.vinod Kumar Singh
GI and General Surgery
8 Years • M.B.B.S, DNB General surgery.
New Delhi
Apollo Spectra Hospitals, New Delhi
