Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy with Immediate Reconstruction

Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: A Natural Option for Women Facing Breast Surgery

For many women facing a mastectomy—whether because of breast cancer or a BRCA genetic mutation—the thought of losing the breasts entirely can be deeply emotional. At our practice, Dr. Schwartz offers a highly specialized approach to nipple-sparing mastectomy that not only preserves the nipple and areola when safe but also allows for immediate breast reconstruction during the same surgery.

This means you can have one surgery with one surgeon, reducing the need for multiple hospital stays, extra anesthesia, and additional recovery periods. It’s a streamlined approach designed to save you both time and money, while helping you move forward with your life more quickly and with greater confidence.

What Is a Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy?

Nipple-sparing mastectomy removes all breast tissue while preserving the skin, nipple, and areola. With Dr. Schwartz’s expertise in both breast cancer surgery and advanced reconstruction techniques, immediate reconstruction is performed in the same operation—whether with implants or your own tissue—so you wake up from surgery with your new breast shape already in place.

Unlike traditional mastectomies that remove the nipple and create a flat chest, this method maintains the natural outward appearance of the breast. Patients frequently tell us this makes a world of difference in how they see themselves during recovery.

Who Is a Candidate?

Dr. Schwartz evaluates each patient individually, but many women qualify for nipple-sparing mastectomy, including those with:

• Early-stage breast cancer
• BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations seeking preventive surgery
• No cancer present near the nipple or areola
• Plans for reconstruction
• Small to moderately sized breasts (larger breasts may still qualify with additional techniques)

Every decision begins with safety. Detailed imaging and examination help determine whether nipple preservation is appropriate for your unique anatomy and diagnosis.

Preserving the Nipples and Restoring the Breast — In One Surgery

For eligible patients, Dr. Schwartz can preserve the nipple and areola while performing immediate reconstruction in the same procedure. This integrated approach:

• Reduces the number of surgeries
• Minimizes total recovery time
• Lowers overall costs by eliminating duplicate hospital and anesthesia fees
• Shortens the emotional journey by avoiding multiple, staged procedures

Patients appreciate knowing they’ll leave the operating room with both their cancer treated and their breast reconstructed—without having to schedule a second surgery.

How the Surgery Works

Breast tissue is removed through small, discreet incisions—often hidden under the breast fold or around the areola. The nipple and areola remain intact and are carefully checked to ensure there are no cancer cells.

Dr. Schwartz then performs the reconstruction immediately, restoring shape and volume using either implants or the patient’s own tissue. This approach allows for the most natural result possible while avoiding the long gap between mastectomy and reconstruction that many women experience elsewhere.

Recovery and Results

Most patients can resume light activity within 2–3 weeks and return to full activity in 6–8 weeks. Because both the mastectomy and reconstruction are performed in a single procedure, recovery is consolidated into one healing period rather than two separate ones. Over time, swelling decreases, sensation adjusts, and the breasts settle into their natural final appearance—often matching closely to pre-surgery contours.

Nipple-Sparing vs. Skin-Sparing Mastectomy

While both nipple-sparing and skin-sparing mastectomies preserve the skin for reconstruction, nipple-sparing mastectomy also retains the nipple and areola for a more natural final look. In Dr. Schwartz’s hands, combining nipple-sparing techniques with immediate reconstruction offers the most seamless and satisfying cosmetic result possible.

Emotional and Practical Benefits

Beyond the physical outcome, patients often find this approach improves their emotional recovery. The ability to look in the mirror and see a natural breast—rather than a flat, scarred chest—can greatly enhance self-confidence and reduce the emotional toll of cancer treatment.

Practically, one surgery with one surgeon means:

• Less time away from work and daily life
• Fewer medical bills
• Only one round of anesthesia
• A faster overall return to normal