Nipple Correction

Nipple reduction surgery addresses the size and length of enlarged nipples. When indicated, this procedure can also be combined with a breast lift to help reduce the general size and circumference of enlarged areolas. Nipples can often become enlarged due to hormonal changes, genetics, pregnancy, breast feeding, or weight gain. Enlarged nipples may result in embarrassment or the inability to wear certain clothing for fear of exposing the nipples.

In some circumstances, nipple reduction surgery can be performed using local anaesthesia. In the event that the nipple reduction is to be combined with another breast procedure (e.g. breast lift or breast augmentation), then the combined procedures will be done under general anaesthesia. The procedure takes approximately one hour. It is a day-only surgery, so patients can expect to go home shortly following the completion of the surgery.

During the nipple reduction procedure, the excess length of the nipple will be removed and an only slightly longer than desired length left behind. This slight excess length will be used to help reconstruct a naturally-shaped nipple, which looks similar to what would be expected in the absence of surgery.

We ask that patients take at least two days off work, unless they plan to have other procedures done at the same time, in which case, recovery will be longer.

Inverted nipple correction is a procedure that corrects bilateral or unilateral inverted nipples. There are different grades of inverted nipples, ranging from a nipple that can sometimes erect itself as a result of certain stimulation, to nipples that are fully inverted at all times. Inverted nipples are often congenital in nature, meaning that they have been present from birth or become noticeable around the time of puberty.
Inverted nipple correction can be done on its own or together with another breast procedure. Many patients will combine inverted nipple correction with another procedure to optimise their recovery time. Often, breast augmentation surgery, when performed concurrently, will improve the success of inverted nipple correction. Patients who wish to breastfeed in the future should refrain from having inverted nipple correction surgery, as this might impair the ability to breastfeed.

The Inverted Nipple Correction Procedure

The inverted nipple correction procedure typically takes one hour unless it is combined with another procedure. It is a day-only procedure, and in some circumstances it can be performed under local anaesthetic.
During the operation, deep attachments that pull in the inverted nipple will be released. These may include milk ducts and other tissue bands that are too short to allow the nipple to protrude naturally. The nipple is brought out into a normal position and a circumferential suture is placed at the base of the nipple to prevent it from retracting. Scars are typically minimal, and they are often imperceptible once complete healing has taken place and the scar has faded.

In most cases, a special dressing will be placed around the nipples, which will be left on until the first follow-up appointment.