Nipple
Reduction
Reshape & resize the nipples
Your nipples serve a very important function (breastfeeding!), but if they’re larger or wider than you’d like, it can negatively affect your self-esteem. Nipple reduction surgery offers an effective solution by reshaping and resizing the nipples to create more balanced proportions. Whether you're experiencing physical discomfort or simply wish to enhance the look of your breasts, the skilled surgeons at PURE Plastic Surgery are here to help you achieve the results you desire.
What is a Nipple Reduction?
Nipples are the raised area in the middle of your breasts, not to be confused with your areola — which is the darker, pigmented area that surrounds your nipples. Though both can be reduced through surgery, nipple reduction specifically focuses on decreasing the size of the nipple.
Nipple reduction is a surgical procedure that removes extra skin and tissue to give the nipples a smaller, more balanced appearance. It isn’t as common as other types of breast surgery but makes a nice addition to breast augmentation, breast reduction, or a breast lift. You can also have nipple reduction as a solo procedure. When performed by itself, nipple reduction is a relatively simple outpatient surgery that yields great results with minimal downtime.
Restore the appearance of the nipples after breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can sometimes cause the nipples to become stretched or enlarged, altering their natural shape. Nipple reduction surgery can effectively address these changes by removing excess tissue, restoring the nipples to a more proportionate size. This procedure can enhance the overall look of the breasts to boost your confidence in your post-breastfeeding body.
Benefits of Nipple Reduction Surgery
This procedure offers a range of benefits for individuals who are self-conscious about the appearance of their nipples. It offers aesthetic improvements but can also reduce the friction and chafing that may occur with overly large nipples. Other benefits include:
- Enhanced Appearance: Nipple reduction surgery can significantly improve the aesthetic balance and proportion of your nipples in relation to your breasts. Whether you're wearing form-fitting clothes, swimwear or lingerie, a more balanced nipple appearance can enhance your overall silhouette and boost your self-esteem.
- Improved Symmetry: When one nipple is larger than the other, it can be a source of embarrassment or distress. Nipple reduction surgery can correct an asymmetrical appearance to enhance the overall look of your breasts.
- Increased Comfort: Oversized nipples can cause irritation and discomfort, particularly when rubbing against clothing. This friction can lead to soreness, chafing and painful inflammation. Nipple reduction surgery addresses these concerns by decreasing the size of the nipples, allowing you to participate in daily activities with ease and comfort.
- Better Fit in Clothing: Large or prominent nipples can sometimes show through clothing. Nipple reduction surgery can help reduce this visibility, allowing you to feel more comfortable in a variety of outfits, including tight-fitting tops and swimwear. This can expand your wardrobe choices and improve your confidence.
- Minimal Scarring: Modern surgical techniques are designed to minimize scarring. The incisions are typically small and placed strategically to ensure that any resulting scars are barely noticeable. With proper post-operative care, these scars can fade significantly over time, leaving you with a smooth and natural-looking result.
Ideal candidates for Nipple Reduction
You may be unhappy with your current nipples for several reasons. If any of the following issues apply to your situation, nipple reduction surgery may be the perfect fit for you:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding has affected your nipple size
- Your nipples are too wide or too long
- Your nipples project too far from your breast
- Certain clothing is hard to wear or doesn’t look right
- Your nipples are drooper, with extra skin
- You’re bothered by an asymmetrical appearance
Ideal candidates should also be in good health with realistic expectations regarding the outcome of nipple reduction surgery. It’s important to discuss your specific concerns and goals with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if nipple reduction is the right procedure for you.
What to expect at
my consultation?
At your nipple reduction consultation, you’ll meet with our team and discuss the details of the procedure and whether you’d be a good candidate for surgery. We will ask what bothers you most about your nipples, take measurements and discuss the treatment options available.
You’ll also be able to go over any questions you have for your surgeon. Don’t forget to make a list of your health history and write down the concerns you’d like to address. Having a list on hand can help you remember to ask everything you need to calm your nerves before surgery.
How does it work?
There are choices available for your nipple reduction surgery. Depending on your specific needs, you may have a horizontal or vertical incision made to reduce the overall length or width of the nipples. Local anesthesia numbs the treatment area, so you won’t experience any pain or discomfort during surgery. When nipple reduction is performed alongside more involved breast procedures, such as breast augmentation, general anesthesia is used instead.
Nipple reduction by itself is a simple procedure that can be done in an outpatient or office setting. During surgery, incisions will be made using advanced tools to minimize scarring, and extra skin and tissue will be removed to sculpt the desired nipple size or shape. Many patients also have areola reduction surgery done at the same time for comprehensive results. Once your goals have been achieved, the incisions will be closed with sutures. Nipple reduction takes less than an hour to complete, and you’ll be able to return home later the same day.
Nipple Reduction
recovery
Recovery from nipple reduction surgery is typically straightforward and involves minimal downtime. In the first few days following surgery, you may experience some swelling, bruising and discomfort in the treated area. Your surgeon may prescribe medication to manage any soreness, but most patients find their pain responds well to over-the-counter medicines.
It's important to keep the surgical area clean and dry. You should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities and any movements that may strain the chest area for at least a week. We may also recommend wearing a supportive bra to support the healing process. Recovery should take seven to 10 days, but most patients are able to return to work within a few days of their procedure. Be sure to attend all of your scheduled follow-up appointments for optimal results.
Nipple Reduction results
Nipple reduction surgery can provide transformative results. You'll notice an immediate improvement in the size and shape of the nipples following the procedure, and your results will become even more apparent as the initial swelling and bruising subside over the next few weeks. The nipples will appear more proportionate to the breasts, enhancing the overall aesthetics of your breasts. This increased balance can significantly boost your self-confidence, allowing you to feel more comfortable in various types of clothing and intimate situations.
The results of nipple reduction are considered permanent. Any scarring from the procedure is minimal, as incisions are strategically placed to limit visibility. As the incision lines heal, they will continue to fade over time. Patients often report a renewed sense of confidence and satisfaction with their appearance, enjoying the improved symmetry and proportion of their nipples.