Nipple Surgery and Areolae Reduction

Nipple surgery often involves making small incisions in the nipple to remove excess tissue. In most cases, local anaesthesia is used to numb the area when performing the procedure. Nipple correction surgery 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 nipple reduction surgery, and the ability to breastfeed can usually be easily preserved.

If the procedure is not being combined with other cosmetic surgeries, it usually takes only about one hour to complete and is generally considered to be an outpatient or day procedure. There is very little discomfort, and most patients having a nipple reduction will not require any type of sedative. In addition, most patients fully recover from the procedure within just a couple of weeks.

Post-operation

For most patients, 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.

Bleeding

Bleeding is a possible risk associated with any surgical procedure which can result in bruising. Bleeding will usually subside on its own, if not we recommend getting in touch with us for further diagnosis.

Bruising

Bruising  is usually minimal to mild to moderate and presents for a few days after surgery. At-home cold compresses are an effective relief to reduce bruising, swelling, and pain. If bruising persists, we recommend booking an appointment with Dr Konrat.

Infection

While infection is rare with nipple surgery, infections can occur during and just after any surgical procedure. If minor infections do occur, they can slow the rate of healing. Following your nipple correction surgery aftercare instructions carefully will help to reduce the risk of infection.

Scarring

The possibility of scarring is another risk associated with nipple surgery. The severity of scarring will vary from patient to patient, in many cases the scar will fade to be almost invisible, while in others it may more noticeable.

Swelling

The tissues in the nipple are delicate and minor swelling may persist for some weeks. This is not unusual and will heal well in time.

Asymmetrical results

With nipple correction surgery, there is a small risk that the nipples may not match in size or shape following the surgery.

Loss of ability to breastfeed

The loss of ability to breastfeed is rare and should not occur unless the ducts are cut.

Loss of sensation

While rare, sensation loss can occur in the weeks following surgery and will usually return to the nipple within 3 to 6 months after surgery.