Nipple Reduction Surgery

The Operation

The procedure used for a nipple reduction depends to a degree upon the anatomy of the nipple enlargement and the amount of nipple reduction desired by the patient. There are many methods used by various doctors, including removal of just the top of the nipple, which is then closed with tiny incisions. Nipple reduction may also involve removing a cylinder of skin around the neck of the nipple, then pushing the nipple back into the breast tissue and suturing the skin closed. Sensation is almost always normal following a nipple reduction, and the ability to breast feed can usually be easily preserved.

If the procedure is not being combined with other cosmetic surgeries, then a nipple reduction is performed as a day procedure with a local anesthetic. There is very little discomfort, and most patients having a nipple reduction will not require any type of sedative.

Nipple reduction surgery involves making small incisions in the nipple in order to remove excess tissue. In most cases, local anaesthesia is used to numb the area when performing the procedure. The procedure takes only about one hour to complete and is generally considered to be an outpatient or day procedure. In addition, most patients fully recover from the procedure within just a couple of weeks.

Post Operation

The recovery time is almost nonexistent: patients may return to work or other normal activities within hours of having their nipple reduction, and showers are permitted the following day. The sutures or stitches may be dissolvable, or the patient may return to the clinic 4 to 7 days after the nipple reduction to have the stitches removed. Waterproof dressings are applied to keep the wounds dry and clean. The swelling and pain are minimal, and results are almost instantaneous and very natural in appearance, with nipples that will generally return to normal sensation.