As part of the  Top Surgery, the nipples are removed and then re-sized and grafted back onto the chest. Most patients have limited sensation through the nipple and areola after surgery and can take up to twelve months for any sensation to return.

Mr Vahidi has particular success with grafting and if postoperatively patients follow his guidance the outcome is much better.

Sometimes it is possible to retain the original nipple/areola complex instead of grafting, which usually preserves nerve sensation. 

There are a number of ways of doing the nipple graft, It is dependant on your size, shape and the condition of your skin. A major part of the decision on how to do it is done after the breast tissue has been removed. It is therefore decided by the surgeon on the day in the operating theatre.