Why Do my Nipple Stick out After Breast Augmentation? (photo)

Question

I'm almost 4 months post op from a breast augmentation and my nipples still stick out. What is causing this? How can this be fixed? I did not have this problem before surgery.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Increased nipple projection is a relatively normal finding
following breast augmentation surgery. This occurs for a variety of reasons,
including swelling and the pressure that’s exerted by the underlying breast
implant.Although
it may take time, this problem usually always resolves as swelling decreases
and the breast tissue adjust to the presence of an underlying breast implant. If
you’re concerned about this issue, it’s important to discuss the problem with
your plastic surgeon.Your surgeon
should be able to discuss your increased nipple projection and alleviate your
anxiety.

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

Your nipple projection looks normal to me. I'm sure that they seem more projecting since your whole breast is now more projecting. You would really need to check your pre-op photos to re-evaluate. I agree with others that it also appears that the implants are still a bit too high, though I'm not convinced it is from a capsule contracture.

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

Nipple and areola swelling and increased projection is very normal after breast augmentation. This will improve with time and likely will settle to a very acceptable appearance. The cause is usually swelling but there is some increased pressure from the implant itself on the backside of the breast and nipple/areola. The treatment is just more time- this will improve as your swelling subsides and your implants fall into a more approrpriate position.

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

It is not unusual for many women to have increased nipple projection after their surgery. This is seen even more in women whose breast tissue/skin was fairly tight to begin with. The implants are trying to stretch everything out, and in doing so, pushing the nipples forward. In looking at your pictures, it appears your implants are still somewhat high and rounder. As they settle a little more and with some time, the nipple projection usually goes down a degree. There is nothing surgically you could do to the nipple itself, but you could change to a less projecting implant at some point. I hope this helps.

Rodney A. Green, MD · Answer

This is very common. If you think about it it makes sense that this should happen. You have placed a significant extra volume in your breast behind the nipples. The tends to push the nipples out.

	It will improve as the skin stretches a bit and the tightness goes away.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for the picture it helps.  At four months, you may expect some further improvement of your nipple prominence, but not much.  I would suggest you see your plastic surgeon to discuss further.

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

It appears from your pictures that you are very young and had a very full breast augmentation.  Due to a number of factors including the new breast implant volume, most likely high-quality firm breast tissue that you have in youth, and your genetic predisposition to nipple projection, it appears to you that the nipples stick out more at this time.  While changes may still occur during the course of the first year, I would encourage you to wait and monitor for any further changes before doing operative procedures.  There is an opportunity for nipple reduction surgery, but do not rush into it.  In all, I feel that you have a nice augmentation and should enjoy those results currently.

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question and photos. It is normal for nipples to stick out after surgery. It could be that your implants have not fully settled yet since it take 4-6 months for implants to fully settle. Best to wait after the 6th month to think of making revisions. Best of luck. Dr. Michael Omidi.

An
in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess
your needs and provide true medical advice.

An
in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess
your needs and provide true medical advice.

Erez Sternberg, MD · Answer

You are young and have fairly large breast implants. Because the tissue under your nipples are still firm (with young patients) as the breast is enlarged so does the nipple stick out more and can often become more sensitive for this reason. Don't worry, you are only 4 months out from surgery, and as the breasts soften and the implants descend further this look will improve. You will look great in about 6 months.... just wait and see.

Christopher J. Schaffer, MD · Answer

An implant augments and adds projection to the entire breast including the nipple, therefore enhanced nipple projection after augmentation is not surprising. This is more common in a young, nulliparous (never pregnant) patient with firm tissues and larger implants. As the others have stated, this should improve as the breast softens and settles with the passage of time. 4 months is still early in the healing process.

Why Do my Nipple Stick out After Breast Augmentation? (photo)

Answers (18)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

2 Weeks Post Op to my Breast Augmentation, When Can I Start Sleeping on my Side?

How Long Does the Letdown Feeling (As in Nursing) Last After Subglandular Breast Augmentation?

How to Get Rid of a Very Large Breast Hematoma S/p Mva from the Seatbelt It is Approx 7cmx3cm?

Is It Normal for Breasts to Become More Asymmetrical at Certain Points in the Menstrual Cycle?

Bra Size After 420cc Round Silicone With Original D Cups?

9 Weeks Post-op Breast Lift/augmentation, and Breasts Are Terribly Uneven? (photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS