Is My Nipple Normal After Breast Reduction?

Question

I am 4 weeks out from breast reduction surgery. One of my nipples is in perfect position and healing nicely. The other nipple is pointing towards the other nipple ..."crooked"' if you will. There is also some swelling, minor, around this particular areola as well. There is no infection at all and while this nipple being out of sorts is worrisome, will it straighten up to point forward ? Otherwise, I am very pleased with my results, my PS and the surgery in general. Thanks for any advice.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Because of swelling the areola may look distorted after breast reduction. Most of the time this will resolve with a resolution of swelling.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the breast reduction procedure. As you can imagine, despite your description of the asymmetry, it is not possible to give you meaningful advice. Generally speaking, however the breasts do tend to change for several months after breast reduction procedure. Hopefully, these changes will improve the symmetry of the nipple/areola.

	 Your plastic surgeon will be your best resource for more precise/meaningful answers.

	 Best wishes; hopefully you will be pleased with the long-term outcome of the procedure performed.

Vincent J. Perrotta, MD · Answer

During most breast reductions, the nipple is not removed from the breast and grafted to its new location.  Instead it is kept attached to the breast tissue and tunneled to its new location.  Therefore, it is entirely possible that the troubled nipple is being tethered by a deeper part of the breast.  In most cases, this tethering stretches in time, but this can take several months.  If the nipple position does not improve spontaneously, your surgeon might be able to correct it via a minor procedure, with local anesthetic alone, in the office setting.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

may not be perfectly symmetrical but you must allow full healing before critiquing the nipple appearances.  Rest assured that most irregularities can be addressed with minor revisions done in the office under local.  Keep your surgeon informed of your concerns.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Without seeing photos both pre and post, it is difficult to comment. I will say that you may have differential swelling that can cause problems in appearance until the swelling goes away.

Is My Nipple Normal After Breast Reduction?

Answers (7)

Answer: Nipples after reductions

Answer: Nipples after reductions

Answer: Nipple issue after breast reduction

Answer: Nipple issue after breast reduction

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is My Nipple Normal After Breast Reduction?

Answers (7)

Answer: Nipples after reductions

Answer: Nipples after reductions

Answer: Nipple issue after breast reduction

Answer: Nipple issue after breast reduction

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.