What happens during nipple-sparing mastectomy?

During a nipple-sparing mastectomy several biopsies are taken beneath and around the periphery of the nipple-areolar complex. If the biopsies are Negative, than the nipple and the areolar tissue can be preserved and the final breast reconstruction outcome is greatly improved. An aggressive subcutaneous mastectomy is performed leaving the skin paddle intact. Complications can include infection, bleeding, and necrosis or death to the nipple and/or areola depending upon inadequate blood supply.