What is nipple and areola surgery?
Nipple and areola surgery is a cosmetic procedure that involves reducing the size of the nipple or areola due to aesthetic issues, which can be caused by various factors such as genetics, congenital problems, hormonal issues, natural aging, breastfeeding, and pregnancy. The procedure is suitable for both women and men, as inconsistencies with large nipples and areola can affect anyone. Some of the issues patients of nipple and areola surgeries face can include:
- Long or wide nipples
- Stretched areolas
- Ptotic nipples
- Inverted nipples
- Misshapen or enlarged areolas
- Inability to breastfeed due to nipple inversion
For individuals with inverted or enlarged nipples and other aesthetic concerns, nipple surgery aims to correct this by reducing or reshaping the nipples. On the other hand, areola correction surgery involves decreasing the diameter of one of both areolas, which is best suited for individuals with misshapen, enlarged, or stretched areolas. Both surgeries can be combined for an overall enhancement, depending on the extent of your concerns. In some cases, a breast lift (mastopexy) may be a more suitable solution for individuals with significantly ptotic nipples. Nipple and areola surgeries can also be combined with breast augmentation mammoplasty and breast reduction mammoplasty if other concerns are present.
The procedure
Plastic Surgeon Dr Matt Starr will evaluate and assess your concerns during your consultation to craft a procedure plan that adequately targets your concerns. The procedure process will be slightly different for every patient, as cases of nipple and areola irregularities are varied and unique to an individual. Nipple and areola surgeries are generally day procedures performed under local anaesthetic and can take 1 – 1.5 hours to complete.
Nipple reduction and correction
Nipple surgery is designed to remove excess tissue via small incisions in the nipple. The amount of tissue removed will depend on how much reduction is needed to achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance. One technique includes excising a sliver of skin around the base of the nipple and then pushing the nipple into the breast tissue to lessen its projection, using sutures to close the incision. Another technique involves removing just the top of the nipple to decrease its projection or diameter and using tiny incisions to complete the nipple.
Areola correction
Areola correction aims to decrease the diameter of one or both areolas, where the outer circular brown area of the areola is excised. The surrounding skin is then brought inwards, and stitches are made inside the areola, helping to decrease its diameter. Your new areola is secured with a permanent suture to help prevent it from stretching again.
Immediately after your procedure, you may expect swelling and bruising, and the surgical sites may be sore or cause some discomfort. These are typical post-procedure experiences for nipple and areola surgery and should dissipate within a week or two. You may see immediate results, or it may take a few weeks to see the results. This will depend on the type of surgery you have undergone, the extent of correction needed, and how well your body heals.
Recovery & aftercare
To help your body heal post-operation, we will provide you with recovery and aftercare instructions which generally include:
- Do not shower until the following day post-procedure
- Attend all regular post-operative appointments
- Take at least one week off work, or more if your job is physically demanding
- Avoid strenuous exercise and activity for 2 – 3 weeks
- Wear your prescribed compression garment
- Take all prescribed medications and creams
What are the associated risks and complications?
Associated risks and complications for nipple and areola surgery include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection
- Poor scarring
- Loss of ability to breastfeed
- Loss of nipple sensation
Any cosmetic or medical procedure patients may undergo in their life has associated risks and complications that can arise, and you should be aware of them before going ahead with any surgery. Making sure your surgeon has relevant experience, knowledge, and accreditation, such as Dr Starr, is vital in helping mitigate risks. Ensuring that you follow your recovery and aftercare instructions is also crucial in determining how well you heal.
