Ima 21 Year Old Woman with Embarrasingly Large Nipples? (photo)

Question

Im 21 years old with 34b breasts. but my nipples are very big and I find it embarrassing. I don't feel comfortable naked and have to wear padded bras all the time so they don't show through my clothes. also sometimes my areolas can slip out of my bra which is very embarrassing and has happened at work before. Is there any surgery I could undergo?

Benjamin Baker, BMBS MBA FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Hi, thanks for your question. Your surgical options really depend on what you would hope to achieve from surgery in addition to nipple-areolar complex reduction. This could be combined with an uplift procedure +/- augmentation with breast implants or fat transfer to give you the best results. Consult a plastic surgery with specialist expertise in aesthetic breast surgery.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

You can consider surgical nipple and areola reduction. The procedure can be performed to reduce the size of your nipples to make them less prominent, and to reduce your areolae so they are better covered up by your bras.

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question!Having confidence that you are in excellent hands with your chosen surgeon is something that should not be compromised on over either consideration of cost or convenience. Investing time in researching to find the very best surgeon for your procedure through specialist medical review websites, personal recommendation and a thorough private consultation with your surgeon are likely to give you the reassurance every patient should have before proceeding with a procedure. 
With areola surgery, this is generally quite bespoke surgery and the amount of skin or extra tissue you want removed and how you would like the area to look will be a very personal thing and something that our experienced surgeons go through.Asymmetry in breasts is completely normal and extremely common, you're not the only one! Be sure to retrieve all the information you need, however, surgery would be the best move taking into consideration your main concerns. Good luck

Matthew C. Camp, MD · Answer

This is a very common concern, that plastic surgeons frequently address. The solution is a straightforward procedure that can be performed in office under local anesthesia or in the operating room. The periphery of the areola is trimmed, and the circumference is reduces with a buried permanent suture. Some people also elect to have a breast enhancement or lift at the same time. You are a good prospect for a great outcome. Best of luck to you!Matthew C Camp MDMinnetonka/Burnsville/Edina

Andrea Marando, MD · Answer

Hello Emmy,

	Thank you for your question. It is not unusual to seek advise for a large areola and/or prominent nipples, although often patients become conscious following pregnancies and breast feeding. The solutions range from areola reduction (doughnut technique) to mastopexy (breast uplift) if the breast appear low and has a significant amount of skin laxity; with regards to the prominent nipples, nipple reduction is available and leaves a negligible residual scarring. Bare in mind that this might affect your ability of breast feed.

	I would advice you to see a qualified plastic surgeon who will guide you to identify the right solution for your specific case.

	Best of luck.

Anne Taylor, MD · Answer

Hello-- both the nipple and areola can be reduced with a small office procedure.Good luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Nipple reduction is an  excellent procedure for the patient suffering from prominent  nipples. This procedure can reduce the height and width of the nipple, usually preserving sensation. It can be done under local anesthesia or in combination with other procedures (under general anesthesia).
I like to use the “sleeve” technique to reduce the height of the nipple. This procedure leaves the core of the nipple intact preserving nerves and lactiferous ducts.  The  suture line  generally heals  very nicely in this area. The width of the nipple can be reduced by removing a triangular segment from the tip area.
I hope this, and the attached link, helps.