Nipple Correction

Usually when people think of enhancing the breasts they tend to automatically think about breast lifts, enlargements and reductions. However, for some women, their concerns are much more localized: they are unhappy with their nipples. So, although a seemingly minor grievance, problems in this area can be a source of significant unhappiness for patients. Therefore, nipple correction surgery is an extremely common procedure and can benefit many women (and men) who feel uncomfortable with the appearance of their nipples.

The nipple has two parts: the actual nipple (the projected part) and the areola (the dark pigmented skin that surrounds the nipple) which form part of the overall appearance of the breast and can vary in sizes and shapes. The size of the nipples does not affect the function of the nipple and the projection of the nipple is something that differs from person to person; however, the average amount of projection of female nipples is just over 10mm.

Why do people have nipple correction surgery?

Many people suffer from abnormalities of the nipple which can have an effect on confidence and can also cause discomfort. Some abnormalities may include:

• Extended nipples (very prominent nipples)
• Puffy nipples (protuberant areola)
• Discoloured areola
• Nipples too large in relation to the breast
• Inverted nipples (instead of pointing outward, it is retracted into the breast)

The most common reasons for people wanting to undergo a nipple correction procedure are discontentment with nipple size (thinking that their nipples are two large and prominent) or wanting to correct nipples that are inverted.

After having children, many women choose to have nipple surgery as some of the consequences of breast feeding are enlarged or inverted nipples. The areola can darken after the second month of pregnancy and usually enlarges as pregnancy progresses, during breast growth, weight gain or after breast augmentation. Nipple surgery can correct these changes and help women to regain their confidence.

Inverted

Inverted nipples can sometimes be corrected using a niplette (suction device) or if this does not work, with a minor surgical procedure. A technique typically used to correct inverted nipples involves stitches being placed to hold the nipple in the correct position until it heals. The recovery period from this surgery is relatively short, while the functional and self-esteem benefits are significant.

Areola

Many are discontent with the appearance of their areolae and think that they are too large or too puffy, or that they stand out too much. While large nipples are usually genetically determined, genes do not always cause large nipples. Nipples can be enlarged though any pulling or piercing and also as a result of previous breast surgeries and nursing can also produce enlarged nipples. In general, it is thought that any type of prolonged stimulation to the nipple area can cause them to become permanently elongated, swollen or prominent in appearance. Reasons for the size and shape of the areolae can also be:

• Genetics
• Massive weight loss
• Implants
• Breast lift
• Breast reduction
• Breastfeeding
• Age (the areolae may expand and stretch)

If nipple size is the problem, nipple reduction is an option. In these circumstances, it is often the size of the areola (the darker, pigmented skin surrounding the nipple) that creates the impression that the nipples are abnormally large, while the projecting area (the actual nipple) may be in proportion. Therefore, areola reduction surgery can rectify this disproportion as this procedure removes the excess areola tissue. This surgery can also be combined with breast lift or with breast reduction surgery as, by coupling the procedures, overall cost can be reduced. This procedure is suitable for any woman, or man, who wishes to have the size of their areolae reduced and is in good health, has no wound healing disorders, and has realistic expectations.

In any case, both inverted and enlarged nipples can be corrected through nipple surgery and there are various nipple correction techniques that can be used depending on your individual requirements. The only down side of nipple corrective procedures is that some procedures may result in scarring around the areola but this generally fades over time.

Risks

All surgeries have risks, including areola reduction surgery. Risks may include:

• Anesthesia complications
• Infection
• Hematoma (a break in a blood vessel, causing localized blood-filled area or blood clot)
• Seroma (collection of fluid under the skin)
• Tissue death
• Permanent numbness, or loss of sensation
• Scarring
• Asymmetry or unsatisfactory cosmetic results

Recovery

Recovery for nipple correction procedures is usually rapid which means that patients can return to work quite soon after their surgery. However, as stated above, some people experience a loss of nipple sensation. A permanent loss of sensation can result from this procedure as the nipples and areolae are a very complex network, but usually sensation will return after about a week.

If scars occur in the form of a lightening of the tissue where the nipple has been operated on, a procedure called areola tattooing does exist to give the affected area back its dark pink color.

To discuss your individual circumstances and for more information about costs and the different surgeries available, please ask our surgeons a question via the portal on the homepage. Within 60 minutes you will get a free answer and there is no obligation.