Reducing the Height of Your Nipples and Correcting Inverted Nipples
Are you suffering from chaffing related discomfort as a result of enlarged nipples? Or, are you unhappy with the inverted state of your nipples? Enlarged and overly protruding nipples are quite common following pregnancy and breastfeeding, while about 10% to 20% of women have flat or inverted nipples.
A 2009 study that examined the nipples of 300 women found that the average nipple diameter is 1.3 cm and the height is 0.9 cm. While it's interesting to know what the average is, the most important factor to consider is proportion — are your nipples proportionately balanced with the rest of your breast size and shape?
Nipple revision is a safe and straightforward surgical procedure that modifies your nipple shape and size to improve the harmony of your breast appearance. The procedure can either:
1. reduce the height of your nipples to make them smaller and less prominent, or
2. make them protrude more with a straightforward manipulation of the surrounding tissue.
A Balanced Breast Shape with Nipple Reduction and Inverted Nipple Repair
- Reduce the size of enlarged nipples.
- Modify the shape and prominence of nipples.
- Release tissue around your nipples to make your nipples point outward.
- Achieve a better breast shape.
Nipple Height Reduction — Overly Large Nipples Can Be Embarrassing and Uncomfortable
We understand that discomfort and embarrassment can result from large nipple height. Nipple hypertrophy (enlarged nipples) can lead to a number of psychological and physical consequences. At Dr. Kara Plastic Surgery, we are able to perform this simple procedure. It involves a horizontal incision to the outer portion of the non-erect nipple to remove the unwanted nipple height.
A 30 patient study was conducted by Moliver et. al.1 regarding this simple yet effective surgical procedure; one male and 29 females underwent the procedure. Of the 30 patients, 29 had concurrent breast procedures without issue, mostly breast augmentation, prior to the nipple reduction. Approximately 36 weeks following the procedure, all 30 patients reported that they were satisfied with the results of the procedure. Three of the 30 patients had decreased sensation in their nipple but did not consider it to be a negative consequence. The reduced sensation was believed to be caused by the augmentation, and not the nipple reduction surgery. Further follow up was necessary to determine whether the sensation reduction was temporary or permanent. Finally, one patient had some postoperative oozing from the surgical location following the first day of surgery, which resolved with care by day 5.
Inverted Nipple Correction
A natural breast shape is often complimented by a defined nipple that becomes more prominent when erect. However, if your nipples do not project enough, your breast shape may not have a peak and be flattened on top. Women with inverted nipples may feel like their breast shape is not as attractive, and may also have concerns over breastfeeding.
Inverted nipples are caused by overly tight or short tissues that pull the nipple inward.
Inverted nipple repair is simple and only requires minimal post-operative care. It has shown to have a low rate of complications arising following surgery. However, it is important to note that there is a possibility that following the surgery, a patient may be unable to breastfeed. This rare risk is associated with any breast surgery.
If you are considering reducing the height of your nipple or correcting inverted nipples, we can discuss your options and candidacy for this procedure, whether in combination with other breast surgeries or as a stand-alone procedure.
1Moliver, C , J. Kargel and M. Sullivan (2013) “Treatment of Nipple Hypertrophy by a Simplified Reduction Technique” Aesthet Surg J (2013) 33 (1): 77-83
2Ibid.
At a Glance
- Price $2500
- Recovery Go home same day
- Length Of Surgery Under an Hour
- Back To Work In a Couple of Days
The Nipple Revision Consultation
Your intial consultation is the perfect time to discuss your issues and goals. We'll perform a thorough examination and take a variety of measurements. Based on all of this information, we can then recommend a specific treatment plan. If nipple revision surgery is right for you, we'll go over all of the details of the surgery (or provide you with details of any other treatments that may be more suitable). Feel free to ask any questions or express any concerns you may have. This consultation time is dedicated to providing you with all the information you need to make the right choice in your transformative journey.
The rate of complication related to nipple revision surgery is very low rate. Our patients experience a high level of satisfaction after they've recovered.
The Nipple Revision Surgery
On the day of your surgery, Dr. Kara, your anesthesiologist and the rest of your surgical team will meet with you to answer any last minute questions you may have. Once markings have been made, you'll be placed under anesthesia.
For nipple reduction surgery, a small incision is made through which excess tissue is removed. Once a meticulous reshaping of the nipple is completed, the incision is closed and dressed.
Inverted nipple surgery involves a small incision made in the areola or nipple so that the milk duct constricting the nipple can be released. This allows the nipple to "come out". The incision is closed a the base of the nipple and then dressed.
For both types of surgery, the remaining scar is barely visible, as it's well hidden in the texture and darker shade of the areola/nipple.
The Recovery
Recovery is typically faster than other types of cosmetic breast surgery. It can take a week or more, although it's common for our patients to return to work in just 2-3 days.