Nipple Surgery
Bloomfield Hills Michigan
There are a number of natural variations in the size and shape of the nipples. The nipple is the part that projects the most, while the areola is the dark pigmented area around the nipple that varies in size and color. Together these two structures are called Nipple Areolar Complex and are abbreviated as NAC.
While considering breast surgery many patients desire alteration in the size of the nipple/areola complex. Patients are happy to hear that their issues can be addressed at the time of surgery and the recovery time is not affected. Nipple surgery by itself can be performed in the office using local anesthesia. Whether the nipple is inverted, too big or protruding too far, we can help you with its correction.
Inverted nipples can cause functional as well as emotional concerns for women. Depending upon the severity of the condition an inverted nipple can look flat or a slit like depression or hole at the normal nipple location. Correction is planned after carefully assessing the patient’s needs and severity of the problem.
Large and/or puffy areolas cause patients to be concerned with their appearance as they may be visible through their clothing.
Large nipples can be bothersome to a woman’s appearance. In addition to genetics nipples can change their shape after pregnancy and breast feeding. Whether the nipples are long or have a large circumference, women may find this uncomfortable in clothing and in the nude.
The surgical procedure
The first step in nipple reduction, inverted nipple repair or areola reduction surgery is thorough examination and careful evaluation. Once a clear plan has been established, the procedure would then be performed under local anesthesia unless it is performed in conjunction with another breast procedure such as breast augmentation, breast lifting or breast reduction surgery.
Inverted nipple repair
The objective is to reshape the nipple and areola so that the nipple projects out from the breast, enhancing the appearance of the breast while preserving sensitivity of the nipple. A number of techniques are available to the surgeon to correct this problem. Techniques are also available that leave the milk ducts intact thus preserving the women’s ability to breastfeed.
Areola reduction repair
Areola reductions begin by removing the pigmented area from the outside of the areola. Proper placement of incision and meticulous techniques leaves minimal scarring.
Nipple reduction surgery
Length reduction: Nipples that are too long either droop down or project too far out. Usually, to create a shorter nipple length, the tip of the nipple will be removed and sutured for closure. Sometimes the skin along the neck of the nipple will be removed to create a shorter nipple.
Width reduction
If the nipple is too wide, but not too long, a pie-shaped wedge will be removed from the undersurface of the nipple. The cut edges are then sutured and the circumference is reduced.
After the surgery
You will feel some discomfort for a few days after surgery but this is easily managed with pain medication. After the operation, some bruising and swelling occurs, which may last for a few days.
Resumption of physical activities
It is important to begin getting back to normal. You will be encouraged to begin walking around on the day of surgery, and can return to work when you feel well enough, which could be as early as a day or two after surgery. Any stitches will generally be removed about 1 to 2 weeks following the procedure.
Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity as well as sexual activity for a week or two. You should also avoid exposing the resulting scars to the sun for at least six months. Sunlight can permanently affect the skin’s pigmentation, causing the scar to turn dark. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a strong sun block.
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Talk to Dorine, our patient coordinator, to schedule your consultation. If you have a question for Doctor Ali, ask him now or read common questions about breast procedures.
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Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Ali is a highly skilled specialist with extensive training.
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