Breast reduction with use of the free nipple graft technique.

In properly selected patients, the results of free nipple graft breast reduction may be equal or superior to a pedicle technique. A free nipple graft is clearly indicated for gigantomastia, but it is also useful in severe macromastia, when a large, bulky pedicle may impede adequate reduction and optimal contour, and in patients with fatty breasts and inverted nipples. Disadvantages include the loss of ability to breast-feed, loss of nipple sensation, and possible hypopigmentation in the nipple-areola. The author discusses patient selection and describes execution of this technique. (Aesthetic Surg J 2001;21:261-271.).