I had a breast lift 8 months ago and the nipples are too high. Can this be fixed by sewing the lower part down? (Photos)

Question

I'm 58, 5'2", 126lbs. Light Caucasian skin tone.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. This can be corrected by addressing the lower pole as you alluded to and can be done through an IMF incision.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear easample,

breast revision surgery is the most difficult plastic surgery procedure performed. Botched breast surgery alters normal tissue planes and laxity, the ability of breasts to heal properly, and leaves scar tissue that dramatically affects the level of difficulty of the corrective surgery.
Many patients come in to correct poor outcomes from their initial surgeries. The most common problems are due to implant malposition, bottoming out of the implant, poor scarring, and incorrect implant size.
While the type of revision required will depend on the result of the previous surgery and the desired result of the patient, some revisions involve extensive pocket repair that may or may not need specialized external bras.
If you are considering breast surgery revision, you should speak with a board certified plastic surgeon and have yourself properly assessed. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations. Also, you have to make sure that your surgeon understands your breast augmentation goals.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Cihan Sahin, MD · Answer

HiYes nipples ere high. This could be better with lower pole reduction and silicon implant placement. After this you will have more upper pole fullness. This absolutely can not be fixed by sewing the lower part down rather this causes scar hypertrophy or keloids.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

I think your suggestion is a good option. Removal of an appropriate "wedge" of breast tissue from the lower pole will help correct the proportion of the breast/areola position. This will help by locating the nipple-areolar complex more centrally on the breast mound. Thank you for the inquiry!

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Star gazing NAC/too high is a challenging issue to correct.

The best option is excision of the lower pole in the hopes of drawing the NAC downward as well as shortening the nipple to fold distance. It creates the illusion of improved position without actually lowering the NAC.

This is by no means a solution but can be helpful by offering a more balanced appearance.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Emre Guvercin, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Thank you for your question &mdash; this type of concern is more common than many patients expect after a breast lift.Based on your description, you’re likely dealing with two key issues:
Over-elevated nipple-areola complex &mdash; the nipples are positioned too high on the breast mound, which can look unnatural or disproportionate.Flattened upper pole &mdash; loss of fullness in the top portion of the breast, which reduces overall projection and roundness.Additionally, if your nipple-to-inframammary fold distance is greater than 7 cm, that confirms vertical excess in the lower pole, further distorting the natural balance and making the nipples appear even higher.This combination cannot be corrected simply by “sewing the lower part down.” Instead, it requires a thoughtful revision strategy that addresses:Nipple repositioning to a more centered, aesthetic locationReshaping and tightening the lower poleRestoring upper pole fullness, often using your own tissue without implantsIn my practice, I use a technique called the Revision Push-Up Lift for these situations. It’s specially designed to manage prior scarring, protect blood supply, and achieve natural-looking projection and symmetry &mdash; even after a suboptimal lift.You're at 8 months post-op, which is generally a safe time to explore revision options if healing has stabilized.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Removal of some skin from the lower pole of your breast to shorten the distance from the bottom of your areolar to your breast fold can help the appearance of nipples placed too high. This procedure can improve your appearance though not fully correct it.

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

Lowering the nipple is difficult and usually results in unacceptable scars.  I

f the lower pole of the breast is excessive, it can sometimes be shortened.  While this does not technically raise the nipples, it may allow you to wear a bikini or bra without the nipples being too close to the top.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

A revision to your breast lift would remove some of the excess skin below the nipple and reposition your breast tissue higher.  The nipple position isn't really lowered, but the overall look is more balanced.  See a board certified plastic surgeon to learn more.

Mark Eberbach, MD · Answer

While they may seem high, it can be improved with a lower pole resection with a small wide implant to fill out the top.

Good luck.

Don’t move your nipple any higher.

I had a breast lift 8 months ago and the nipples are too high. Can this be fixed by sewing the lower part down? (Photos)

Answers (11)

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