Nipple / Areola Surgery
Plastic surgery can correct several cosmetic issues relating to the nipple and areola. While they typically don’t represent any health risk, these issues may cause difficulty breastfeeding or self-consciousness regarding appearance.
Is Nipple / Areola Surgery right for you?
If you are bothered by any of the following conditions, you may want to schedule a consultation to learn more about nipple / areola surgery.
- Enlarged nipple
- Enlarged areola
- Inverted nipple
Most of the time, these conditions are congenital. In other cases, they may be related to pregnancy, inflammation of the mammary gland, previous surgery, or carcinoma.
Correction of Inverted Nipples
Inverted nipples are a common condition affecting up to ten percent of the female population. When one or both of the nipples do not project to a normal level, this surgery can provide a correction.
To increase projection of the nipple, Dr. Aboolian can utilize a variety of techniques. In the most common method, the nipple is anesthetized and a barbell, similar to a nipple piercing, is inserted. A small dressing is applied and the patient is advised to keep the area(s) dry for about 48 hours. Healing requires about two weeks and the piercing is subsequently removed when the nipples are sufficiently everted.
Nipple or Areolar Reduction
The nipple or areola can also be reduced, either decreasing the size and projection of the nipple or reducing the circumference of the areola. This surgery is commonly requested during breast reduction or breast lift surgery.
When performed alone, areola reduction surgery requires only local anesthesia. A small donut-shaped incision is placed around the nipple and the surrounding skin is pulled in. The incisions are then closed with nylon sutures. The scar is confined to the pigmented area within the areola, minimizing its appearance.
If you would like more information on nipple reduction, areola reduction or surgical correction of inverted nipples, contact the office of Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Andre Aboolian M.D.
