At Bedford Breast Center, 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 Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Glendale, and Malibu choose us for their breast cancer surgeries. We can provide this advanced procedure to about 95% of women with breast cancer 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.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy?
Most women with breast cancer 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.
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 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
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
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
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 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 Westlake Village, CA, this 41-year-old patient was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in the left breast. Dr. Memsic performed a bilateral mastectomy and Dr. Cassileth performed direct-to-implant breast reconstruction. She placed 240 cc silicone implants over the muscle and used dermal matrix for support. Read More
From Los Angeles, CA this patient is tested postitive for the BRCA2 gene and underwent a prophylactic mastectomy performed by Dr. Leslie Memsic. Dr. Cassileth performed one-stage breast reconstruction placing 195cc silicone implants. She also performed a nerve graft to restore sensation. 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.
