Nipple Correction Surgery

Nipple surgery is undertaken to alter the shape of the areola and/or the nipple, for individuals who are unhappy with the appearance of their nipples. It can involve a number of different techniques depending on what kind of alteration you want. The surgery is sometimes combined with breast augmentation surgery, a breast uplift, or breast reduction surgery.

Procedure Overview

Nipple surgery is suitable for individuals who are troubled by the appearance of their nipples. This may be because an individual has inverted nipples, large areolas, or asymmetrical nipples, among other factors. These conditions may be a result of breastfeeding, previous surgery or ageing, but in some people it is a congenital problem that they have been worried about from birth.

For individuals who are distressed by the appearance of their nipples, nipple surgery can provide a boost in confidence and self-esteem.

Northwood Hospital - Nipple surgery Procedure Overview

Aim

The surgery aims to deliver attractive nipples in good proportion to the breasts as a whole.

At A Glance

Tailored to each patient, this procedure offers transformative results for improved confidence.

Expected results:

Nipples of a size and shape that you are happy with

Treatment time:

0.5–2 hours

Anaesthesia:

Local or general anaesthesia

Recovery time:

A few days

Return to work:

A few days

Lifetime of procedure:

Depends on the exact procedure being undertaken

Northwood Hospital - Nipple surgery The Procedure

CONSULTATION

During the initial consultation, your surgeon will gain an understanding of the nature of your concerns about your nipples, and develop a detailed plan for addressing these concerns. They will carefully explain what the surgery involves, so that you know exactly what to expect.

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SURGERY

Nipple surgery may be performed under local or general anaesthesia, and takes between 0.5 and 2 hours.

The nature of the surgery will depend on what sort of alteration you want to your nipples.

If you are having inverted nipple surgery, the surgeon will usually make a small incision around the areola and then work to release the nipple from the tissues or fibres that are causing the inversion.

If you are having your areolas reshaped, the surgeon will typically make an incision around the base of the nipple or the edge of the areola. They will then remove excess skin, tissue, or fat, and refashion the areola into an attractive shape in line with the plan agreed on in the initial consultation.

The surgery will conclude with the closing of the wounds in the optimal way to reduce scarring.

RECOVERY

You should expect to spend a few days recovering from nipple surgery. In this time, you should rest and refrain from strenuous activity. You should be able to resume all your normal activities within a week of the surgery.

You may experience pain and swelling in your nipple area in the first few days after surgery. You will be prescribed pain medication to help manage this.

You will be given advice on how to care for your scars, so as to make them as inconspicuous as possible.

The progress of your recovery will be monitored in follow-up appointments with your surgeon. It is important to attend all of these both for your safety and in order to optimize results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is nipple surgery safe?

While all surgery involves some risks, nipple surgery is a well-established procedure, with relatively low risk of complications. Among the specific risks of this surgery are changes to sensation in the nipple area, and complications in the healing of the wound. Following all the guidelines given by your surgeon will ensure the lowest possible risk of any problems arising from the surgery.

How long-lasting are the results?

This depends on the specific procedure that you are having. If you are having your areolas reshaped, the results will be permanent. In the case of nipple inversion surgery, there is a chance that the nipples will return to the inverted position. If this is going to happen, it will normally take place within 6 to 12 months following surgery.

What is the aftercare for nipple surgery?

Good aftercare is vital for a smooth recovery and optimal results. You will be given follow-up appointments after surgery to monitor healing and progression of results. See the description of the recovery process above for more information.

When can I resume driving after surgery?

Patients can typically resume driving within a few days after nipple surgery, provided they are no longer taking prescription pain medication, are pain free, and can do an emergency stop. It is important that you have full mobility in the arms and chest, and that the seatbelt does not irritate your breast area.

Will nipple surgery interfere with breastfeeding?

This depends on the specific type of surgery you undergo. In some rare cases, nipple surgery may make it difficult to breastfeed effectively. The surgeon will discuss this matter with you in the initial consultation if it is relevant to you.

Does nipple surgery require an overnight stay?

Nipple surgery is usually a day case procedure, meaning that patients can go home the same day. Patients must arrange for someone to drive them home and stay with them in the 24 hours following surgery.