Nipple-sparing mastectomy: an oncologic and cosmetic perspective.

The guiding principles of nipple-sparing mastectomy (complete removal of the breast from its skin and reconstructing without changing the appearance of the breast) are based on patient safety followed by oncologic safety. Recent advances have also taken into account cosmetic outcome. The ultimate in cosmetic outcome after mastectomy with reconstruction includes preservation of the nipple-areola complex, called a nipple-sparing mastectomy. The evidence-based transition and transformation to nipple-sparing mastectomy from both an oncologic standpoint and a cosmetic perspective are outlined in this article.