Nipple delay prior to nipple-sparing mastectomy: the protective effect on nipple-areola complex ischaemia.

Background: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) has become increasingly popular over the past decade, offering perceived superior cosmetic outcomes and psychological benefits. The main concern in NSM is that of nipple-areola complex (NAC) ischaemia, occurring in up to 15% of cases. We investigate the utility of nipple delay (ND) in protecting the NAC from ischaemic complications.