Should I save and reattach my nipples during mastectomy reconstruction?

This is such an important decision to consider as part of your reconstruction planning. Many community members have shared different experiences with nipple-sparing procedures - some found the results meaningful for their sense of wholeness, while others chose reconstruction without reattachment and felt equally satisfied with their outcomes. The choice often depends on individual factors like healing considerations, personal preferences, and what feels right for each person's journey, so connecting with others here who've faced this same decision could provide valuable insights as you finalize your plans.

Hi Cheryl, I chose not to keep mine. My cancer was too close to the one nipple that they couldn’t save it so I just got rid of both of them.

I had a nipple saving mastectomy (they did not have to reattach) but I also had some fat grafting to my face done that I tell people about. It really gave me a lot to look forward to. It made me feel refreshed.

I did not keep my nipples. I was told that most of the time you lose the feeling in them anyway.

I was able to save one but not the other. Prior to my bilateral mastectomy I was freaking out about no nipples but now I wish I had both removed and just tattooed nipples instead. Nipples don't "save" as they originally looked.

Cheryl - I will start by saying that I cannot believe what I share on this forum, lol…I had bilateral mast with reconstruction and no nipples (one had cancer too close) were spared. My sister had negative nipple impact from lumpectomy - lost feeling and it was always “at attention” - that stuck with me and helped me decide to let both of mine go. I had nipples tattooed and they look so real from afar that I continue to be amazed. The other huge perk (note the pun) is that I can wear any shirt I want with no consideration of nipple showing - perfectly smooth :) obviously everyone decides for themselves but the feeling I have there is bizarre anyway so I figured it was no great loss, for ME.

I just had my bilateral mastectomy on Monday. I spared the nipples but didn’t do the nerve graft as insurance doesn’t cover it and it was >$10K out of pocket. Doing well so far. Pain is not too bad. Just can’t do much with arms and have to get through the 2 weeks of emptying the drains. Oh and sleeping somewhat upright with wedge pillow. Not the most comfortable way to sleep.

My cancer was close to the nipple so it had to be removed. On the other side I had reduction for symmetry and kept the nipple, didn’t really think much about it and it wasn’t discussed. If I had to do it over I wouldn’t have kept the nipple. It took longer to heal and I feel like the scarring is more noticeable. Looking back, I really wish I had read a thread like this prior to surgery.

hi, I had bilateral mastectomy in November and that was construction with expanders at the same time which my surgeon tried to say my nipples but it didn’t work. I developed Neurosis. So I had to go back in a week which was the first week in December and have surgery again. I are being told by my doctor doesn’t work with everyone this chances which I wish I would’ve known before because I would’ve never tried to save my nipple so that’s my opinion. I would just do without ,worried about it later having them a tattoo on, but I’m still with my expanders in as of today.