Can Breast Augmentation Cause the Nipples to Flatten?

Question

I had 325 cc implants 3 weeks ago and my nipples, particularly on one side, are much flatter than they were pre-surgery. Is this permanent or will they relax and return to their original 'erectness'?

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Gail,

	It appears that your surgeon used a periareolar incision to place the breast implants and give you a minor breast lift.  When you tighten around the nipple, it can flatten.  However, the tissues are tight and with time will relax.  This may cause them to unflatten a bit.  Give it time to see what happens.

	Good luck,

	Dr. Shah

Colin Hong, MD · Answer

Yes it can. In breast augmentation, nipples get flatten as a result of the type of incisions or probably due to the fact that they are stretched out with the placement of the breast implants but with time, the nipples will eventually turn out okay, it is only a matter of time and shouldn’t be a serious concern.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

Part of the reason that your nipples are flatter are because they are stretched out with the placement of the breast implants. The incisions around your areolae can also affect this. Finally, it appears that you might have had a peri-areolar lift which could further stretch the skin out.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Early on the breast implant will stress the skin envelope of the breast and the nipple will stretch and lack the erectness before implants. Your implants appear slightly high and hopefully will settle into to a point of projection at the level of the nipple. As the skin relaxes the nipple will again be softer the have the necessary give to become erect with cold or stimulation.

	Best of luck,

	peterejohnsonmd

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	If you had a circumareolar  breast lift in combination with your breast augmentation  then some flattening of the nipple areola complex and breast profile is commonly  seen.  This flattening of the breast profile is a downside of the incision around the areola which serves to &ldquo;pursestring"  the tissues.

	Unfortunately, only time will tell if it will be an improvement in the situation.

	Best wishes.

Eric T. Emerson, MD, FACS · Answer

Gail- It appears that your augmentation was done via a peri-areolar approach or with a peri-areolar type mastopexy. This can cause temporary flattening of the nipple, as well as the breast. These changes will improve with time. There is still a fair amount of tissue relaxation and stretching that will occur. Best wishes.

Louis DeLuca, MD · Answer

It appears from your photo that you had a circumareolar lift in which an incision is made around the entire nipple-areola. This type of lift does cause some flattenting of the nipple-areolar complex, particularly early in the healing process. As the tissue stretches over time, your nipple-areolar complex should spring back to some degree. The presence of the implant will further help your nipple-areolar complex to stretch by placing pressure on the skin. Best Wishes!!!

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello,

	Yes, as the breast skin is stretched so are the areolas and nipples.  When this happens you will notice some flattening of the nipple area.  You are relatively early after your surgery and as your breast skin accomodates you will see an improvement in this area.

	All the best,

	Dr Repta

Donald Nunn, MD (retired) · Answer

The nipples may flatten out after augmentation, especially if a periareolar incision was used. You are stil early in the post op period and things should improve as the swelling decreases and the implant drops a little more. Donald R. Nunn MD Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.

Can Breast Augmentation Cause the Nipples to Flatten?

Answers (9)

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