Nipple Surgery and Areolae Reduction

Areolae and nipple reduction surgery is suitable for both males or females who are looking to reduce the size of their nipple or areola due to asymmetry or for aesthetic reasons. Patients who have undergone significant weight loss, have had unsatisfactory results from a past surgery, or suffer from the discomfort associated with larger nipples may find that areolae reduction surgery or nipple surgery to be an effective solution for them.

When compared to other cosmetic surgery procedures, nipple reduction surgery is a relatively simple process with few risks. Nonetheless, as with all surgical procedures, it’s important to be certain you are fully aware of the risks before moving forward with the procedure. Find out more by reading our ‘what to expect’ guide below and make an appointment to discuss your needs with Dr Konrat today.

Nipple Reduction and Nipple Correction Surgery in Detail

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 the removal of just the top of the nipple, which is then closed with tiny incisions.

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.

Nipple Reduction Surgery

While nipple surgery is considered a safe and straightforward cosmetic procedure, as with any form of cosmetic surgery, there are certain risks associated that patients need to be made aware of before surgery. Some of these include:

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.