Can breast fat transfer reduce the look of puffy nipples?

Question

HelIo. I'm interested in getting a breast fat transfer for a subtle, modest increase in size. However, I have these puffy areolas that give my breasts a conical shape that I dislike. After doing some research, I'm wondering if maybe I have a mild case of tubular breasts? And if I do, will I need an areola reduction to make them look less conical or can a fat transfer (maybe with more of the fat going to the top of the breasts) be enough to do that? Thank you for your time.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Either fat or implants will help the cone shape to your breasts. Areolar reduction can be helpful, but the standard of performing simultaneous augmentation (with either fat or implants) and areolar reduction leads to thicker than desired scarring. I recommend a staged procedure of augmentation first followed by areolar reduction, if it is even necessary.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question and time. Fat transfer to breasts are a good option for those seeking a subtle change to increase breast size. It will increase breast size of about 1/2 a cup size. The nice thing about fat transfers is that we as Plastic Surgeons can control placement of the fat. Ideally in your situation of "puffy" areolas you would need a breast reshaping surgery. The option of injected fat can be serve as first trial, but predictability of fat grafting to change the shape along with viability of fat is not certain. You can try it first and wait 8-12 months and then consider breast reshaping surgery. You may or may not need it pending your satisfaction with the fat transfer.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Affectionate638676 thank you for your question and showing your pictures. You can obtain a better breast shape by performing a Lipo transfer, making them look much more harmonious and with a better ratio between the size of the areola and the shape of the breast. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

You could consider areolar reduction but you have to weight the risks of a scar around your areolar.  Fat grafting may give you more a cup size or less more volume that can dissipate with time and may need to be repeated.  A small implant is a more reliable way to get more volume.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Affectionate638676,
tuberous breasts are not simply small or underdeveloped breasts. The appearance of the breast can range from mild to severe, and typical traits include: enlarged, puffy areola, rather wide spacing between the breasts, very little breast tissue, sagging, higher than normal inferior breast fold, and narrow base at the chest wall.The type of surgery best for you will depend on the severity of your condition.My preferred technique for tuberous breast correction involves a multistep procedure where the breast tissue is released in a radial pattern to prevent herniation into the areola and placement of a custom implant size is in the breast to allow appropriate expansion of the breast in the restricted dimensions. This can often be done in a single procedure but sometimes may require two surgeries.That said, it is best that you visit a board-certified plastic surgeon for an in person examination. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Fat transfers can be performed. However, it will not reduce the look of the puffy nipples. You will need areola tightening to resolve this. You can undergo the fat transfer first and later undergo the areola tightening.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

I would agree with you that you have a very mild case of tuberous breast deformity.  I perform fat transfers to the breast but mainly in cases when patients undergo removal of their breast implants.  In those cases, fat transfer is performed to fill in some of the hollowing that will be evident in the upper pole.  
I do not recommend fat transfer for gain of volume.  Also given the very mild nature of your tuberous breasts, I would not recommend having a Benelli or circumareolar incision to "fix" the herniation at the areola.  I dont feel that the amount of improvement is worth the scar and the possible widened of the areola over time.  Although you may not want breast implants, that would be the best option.

Hope that helps.

Karthik Ram, MRCS, DNB · Answer

Hello. In my opinion you can initially go with breast fat transfer that will give more fullness to your breast  and increase cup size by 1 and reduce your puffy areola. Post operatively if you are not happy with your puffy areola you can undergo reduction under local anaesthesia. Hope i have cleared your doubt. Thanks for posting your query. All the best!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Your breasts are not tubular, and fat can add volume to enlarge your breast and make your nipples look less puffy. Implants will do a better job.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Dear Affectionate,
While fat transfer to the breasts may add a mild-moderate amount of volume (usually 1/2 cup size) to your breasts, it will not reduce the puffiness of your areolas.  It should change some of the conical shape of your breasts which I would assume will change the overall appearance (less pointy).
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow

Can breast fat transfer reduce the look of puffy nipples?

Answers (13)

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