At Bedford Breast Center in Beverly Hills, we prioritize both health and beauty in breast cancer treatment. Our surgeons’ unrivaled skill with nipple-sparing mastectomy and reconstruction is one reason many women in the Greater Los Angeles area, Orange County, and Ventura County choose us for their breast cancer surgeries. We can provide this advanced procedure to about 95% of women with breast cancer risk that has not spread to the nipple.
What Is Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy?
Nipple-sparing mastectomy involves removing cancerous breast tissue while preserving the nipple-areola complex. Unlike traditional mastectomy, which removes the nipple and areola, this procedure allows women to maintain a natural, aesthetically pleasing—even beautiful—appearance. Because of the technical difficulty of this technique, relatively few breast centers offer this option. Bedford Breast Center stands apart with our expertise and experience in nipple-sparing mastectomy in Los Angeles, boasting a complication rate of under 8%.
Studies have shown that preserving the nipple and areola does not compromise the cure rate of breast cancer. Nipple-sparing mastectomy actually reduces overall risk, lowers costs, and minimizes postoperative pain.
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Who Is a Good Candidate for Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy?
Most women with breast cancer diagnosis are candidates for nipple-sparing mastectomy, except when the nipple is involved with the tumor. Other factors, such as low nipple position or large breast size, may also contraindicate the procedure. Women with large breasts might be better suited to a SWIM mastectomy and reconstruction.
Unparalleled Expertise With a Compassionate Touch
Dr. Richardson and Dr. Memsic are two of the top breast surgeons in Los Angeles, using innovative techniques to create excellent clinical and aesthetic outcomes.
What Are the Advantages of Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy?
The technique offers several advantages:
Aesthetic preservation: Nipple-sparing mastectomy allows for breasts that look natural and maintain their shape and size. The incision is strategically placed—hidden in the natural crease under the breast—resulting in minimal scarring.
Improved sexual well-being: Studies have shown that women who undergo nipple-sparing mastectomy report higher levels of sexual well-being than those who opt for traditional mastectomy.
Safety and efficacy: The procedure has proven to be as effective as traditional mastectomy in treating breast cancer. Studies have shown that nipple-sparing mastectomy patients have a slightly better survival rate during the critical 5-year postoperative period.
“I traveled from Las Vegas to California for surgery with Dr Richardson. I had been diagnosed with stage zero breast cancer and due to previous lumpectomies and tissue loss, I had to have a mastectomy. I had been told by another surgeon that I would lose my nipple and the incision would be across my breast. I was extremely happy to find out from Dr Richardson that I was a candidate for nipple sparing surgery with direct to implant reconstruction and an infra-mammary incision. Dr Richardson is very knowledgeable and confident and answered all of my questions, putting me at ease for surgery.”
Kerry G. – Google
How Is Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy Performed?
Bedford Breast Center’s skilled breast surgeons are experts in this technique. During the consultation, we carefully assess each patient’s eligibility for the procedure based on test results and individual factors. Here’s an overview of how nipple-sparing mastectomy is performed:
Anesthesia: The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
Incision: The incision is made under the breast or in the underarm area, depending on the patient’s unique situation. This allows the breast surgeon to minimize visible scarring but still remove the cancerous tissue.
Cancer removal: The breast surgeon safely removes cancerous breast tissue while leaving the nipple and areola intact. Unlike traditional mastectomy, where the nipple and areola are removed, NSM spares these important aesthetic aspects of the breast.
How Is Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy Performed?
Bedford Breast Center’s skilled breast surgeons are experts in this technique. During the consultation, we carefully assess each patient’s eligibility for the procedure based on test results and individual factors. Here’s an overview of how nipple-sparing mastectomy is performed:
Anesthesia: The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
Incision: The incision is made under the breast or in the underarm area, depending on the patient’s unique situation. This allows the breast surgeon to minimize visible scarring but still remove the cancerous tissue.
Cancer removal: The breast surgeon safely removes cancerous breast skin while leaving the nipple and areola intact. Unlike traditional mastectomy, where the nipple and areola are removed, NSM spares these important aesthetic aspects of the breast.
What Is Recovery Like After Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy?
The recovery process varies depending on individual factors such as age and overall health. Some patients may spend 1 to 2 nights under expert nursing care for rest and recovery. Others may return home the same day, accompanied by a family member, after an observation period.
It is normal to experience some discomfort after the procedure. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and focus on the provided physical therapy exercises.
Breast cancer treatment is more than just fighting the disease—it’s also about preserving emotional well-being and beauty. Nipple-sparing mastectomy can be game-changing, allowing you to maintain your natural appearance and confidence throughout your treatment.
Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy FAQs
What is the difference between a nipple-sparing mastectomy and a traditional mastectomy?
Unlike traditional mastectomy, which removes the entire breast including the nipple and areola, nipple-sparing mastectomy preserves the nipple-areola complex while removing all breast tissue beneath it. At Bedford Breast Center, our expert surgical team evaluates each patient individually to determine whether this advanced technique is appropriate for their care.
Am I a candidate for nipple-sparing mastectomy?
Good candidates for nipple-sparing mastectomy typically have early-stage breast cancer or are undergoing preventive mastectomy, with tumors located away from the nipple area and no signs of nipple involvement. Bedford Breast Center's comprehensive team of specialists will conduct thorough imaging and clinical assessments to determine your candidacy for this procedure.
Does nipple-sparing mastectomy increase the risk of cancer recurrence?
Studies show that nipple-sparing mastectomy does not significantly increase cancer recurrence risk when patients are carefully selected and the procedure is performed by experienced surgeons like those at Bedford Breast Center. Our multidisciplinary team ensures comprehensive evaluation and follow-up care to monitor your long-term health and minimize recurrence risks.
How long is the recovery time after nipple-sparing mastectomy?
Most patients recover from nipple-sparing mastectomy within 4-6 weeks, though individual recovery times vary based on whether reconstruction is performed simultaneously.
Will I lose nipple sensation after nipple-sparing mastectomy?
While some loss of nipple sensation is common after nipple-sparing mastectomy, many patients retain partial sensation, and some may experience gradual improvement over time. Bedford Breast Center's experienced surgical team uses advanced techniques to preserve nerve pathways whenever possible, optimizing both cosmetic and sensory outcomes.
Can nipple-sparing mastectomy be performed with immediate breast reconstruction?
Yes, nipple-sparing mastectomy is frequently combined with immediate breast reconstruction using implants or autologous tissue, allowing for excellent cosmetic results in a single procedure.
Where are the incisions made during nipple-sparing mastectomy?
Incisions for nipple-sparing mastectomy are typically placed in discreet locations such as the inframammary fold (under the breast), laterally along the breast, or around the areola border to minimize visible scarring. Our expert surgeons at Bedford Breast Center carefully plan incision placement based on your anatomy and reconstruction goals to achieve optimal aesthetic outcomes.
Does insurance cover nipple-sparing mastectomy?
Insurance typically covers nipple-sparing mastectomy when it is medically necessary for breast cancer treatment or risk reduction in high-risk patients.
What is the complication rate for nipple-sparing mastectomy?
Nipple-sparing mastectomy has complication rates similar to traditional mastectomy, with the most common issues being nipple necrosis, infection, and seroma formation, occurring in approximately 5-10% of cases. At Bedford Breast Center, our world-class surgical expertise and comprehensive post-operative care protocols help minimize complications and optimize patient outcomes.
Can I have a nipple-sparing mastectomy if I have large breasts?
Women with large breasts can be candidates for nipple-sparing mastectomy, though they may have a slightly higher risk of nipple-areola complications due to compromised blood supply. Our team will evaluate your individual anatomy and discuss all options, including potential breast reduction techniques combined with nipple-sparing approaches, to achieve the best possible results.
Is nipple-sparing mastectomy an option for patients with BRCA gene mutations?
Yes. Patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations who are undergoing prophylactic mastectomy are often excellent candidates for nipple-sparing mastectomy, provided the nipple and areola show no signs of cancer involvement. Bedford Breast Center offers comprehensive BRCA genetic testing and counseling, and our surgical team evaluates each patient individually to determine the approach that best balances cancer risk reduction with aesthetic outcomes.
How does nipple-sparing mastectomy affect the ability to breastfeed in the future?
Nipple-sparing mastectomy removes the underlying breast tissue, including the milk ducts, which means breastfeeding will no longer be possible after the procedure. Patients who may wish to breastfeed in the future should discuss the timing of surgery with their care team before proceeding. Our surgeons at Bedford Breast Center take a thorough, individualized approach to surgical planning to ensure each patient fully understands the implications for their long-term health and life goals.
What happens to the nipple if cancer is found in the tissue behind it during surgery?
During a nipple-sparing mastectomy, the surgeon takes a tissue sample from directly behind the nipple, called a retroareolar margin, and sends it for pathology analysis while the patient is still in the operating room. If cancer cells are detected in that tissue, the nipple is removed at that time, converting the procedure to a skin-sparing mastectomy. This intraoperative assessment is a critical safety step, and our surgical team is fully prepared to respond to findings in real time to ensure oncologic thoroughness.
Can nipple-sparing mastectomy be performed as a robotic or minimally invasive procedure?
Robotic-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy is an emerging technique that allows surgeons to make smaller incisions, often in less visible locations such as the axilla or lateral breast. While not yet universally available, select high-volume breast centers are performing robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy with favorable early outcomes. Patients interested in minimally invasive approaches should discuss candidacy with their surgeon, as technique selection depends on tumor location, breast size, and anatomy.
How does nipple-sparing mastectomy compare to a skin-sparing mastectomy?
Both techniques remove all breast tissue while preserving the skin envelope to facilitate immediate reconstruction, but nipple-sparing mastectomy additionally preserves the nipple and areola complex, resulting in a more natural appearance. Skin-sparing mastectomy is typically recommended when the nipple cannot be safely preserved, for example, when the tumor is located close to or involving the nipple. Studies have shown that nipple-sparing mastectomy does not compromise cancer cure rates in appropriately selected patients, and Bedford Breast Center's complication rate for the procedure is under 8%, reflecting our team's exceptional surgical expertise.
Our breast surgeons at Bedford Breast Center in Beverly Hills are innovative physicians who provide compassionate, personalized patient care. Our world-class facility serves patients from throughout Los Angeles, Southern California, and nationwide. To learn more about our center and if nipple-sparing mastectomy is a good option for you, call us at (310) 878-0881 or contact us using the online form to schedule an appointment.
Curious if your procedure is covered by insurance? Bedford Breast Center has partnered with a specialized billing service to help you maximize your insurance benefits. Click here to take a short quiz and find out if you qualify.
Nipple Sparing Mastectomy with One-Stage Breast Reconstruction Featured Before & After Photos
Case: 1 of 8
After receiving ductal carcinoma diagnosis, this 34-year-old patient from Portland, OR had a bilateral mastectomy performed by Dr. Leslie Memsic. Dr. Kelly Killeen performed one-stage breast reconstruction, nerve grafting, and fat transfer to the breasts. Read More
This 58-year-old patient from Montecito was diagnosed with breast cancer in the right breast. Dr. Leslie Memsic performed bilateral mastectomy. Dr. Lisa Cassileth performed direct-to-implant breast reconstruction and nerve grafting to preserve sensation. Read More
From Los Angeles, CA, this patient had a bilateral nipple-sparing mastectomy performed by Dr. Memsic. Dr. Killeen performed direct-to-implant breast reconstruction using 304cc silicone implants, followed by fat transfer to the breasts.
From Pasadena, CA, this patient had a bilateral mastectomy with Dr. Richardson and direct-to-implant breast reconstruction performed by Dr. Cassileth. Dr. Cassileth used 250cc implants and fat grafting to give the patient the natural-looking breasts she desired. Read More
From Phoenix, AZ, this BRCA+ patient had a bilateral mastectomy performed by Dr. Memsic with a one-stage breast reconstruction by Dr. Cassileth. Dr. Cassileth placed 360cc silicone implants and used acellular dermal matrix (ADM) for additional support. Read More
This 47-year-old breast cancer patient had a bilateral mastectomy performed by Dr. Leslie Memsic followed by one-stage breast reconstruction performed by Dr. Lisa Cassileth using 210cc silicone breast implants. Patient underwent a second procedure with one round of fat transfer to the breasts. Read More
Patient from Manhattan Beach, CA has a strong family history of breast cancer and previously underwent a lumpectomy to remove a benign lesion. Dr. Leslie Memsic performed a prophylactic mastectomy. Dr. Azadgoli immediately followed with direct-to-implant breast reconstruction placing 445 cc silicone implant. Read More
This patient from Studio City, CA was diagnosed with cancer in the right breast. Dr. Heather Richardson performed a bilateral mastectomy. Plastic surgeon Dr. Beina Azadgoli immediately followed with one-stage breast reconstruction placing 445 cc moderate profile Allergan breast implants. Read More
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Trust Our Breast Surgery Experts
Our breast surgeons at Bedford Breast Center in Beverly Hills are innovative physicians who provide compassionate, personalized patient care. Our world-class facility serves patients from throughout Los Angeles, Southern California, and nationwide. To learn more about our center and if nipple-sparing mastectomy is a good option for you, call us at
(310) 278-8590 or contact us using the online form to schedule an appointment.
Curious if your procedure is covered by insurance? Bedford Breast Center has partnered with a specialized billing service to help you maximize your insurance benefits. Click here to take a short quiz and find out if you qualify.
