Nipples too high after breast reduction, will they lower over time? (photo)

Question

Hi, I had a breast reduction 3 month ago & have noticed that my nipples are higher than I would like them to be (pop out of some bikini and bras). Do you think they will lower over time?

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

If your nipples and areola are showing above your bikini top and this situation will not correct itself.  It will require reducing the lower half your breast just above the crease to lower the nipple/areola complexes.

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Nipple position could change slightly in the first year. High nipples could be fixed by adjusting the relative position of the nipple to the rest of the breast specially the lower pole.

S. Daniel Golshani, MD, FACS · Answer

A good way to tell whether your nipples are too high after a breast reduction is to measure the distance from the sternal notch (base of the neck) to each nipple and compare it to the distance between the nipples. It should be the same or more. If the distance is shorter, then your nipples are probably too high and that is a problem which is more difficult to fix. The more common issue is that with some techniques there is too much breast tissue and skin left below the arreola, and this presents as pseudoptosis, causing the nipples to look too high, and often times show from above a bra or swim suit. This is much easier to fix than the former problem I alluded to above. It is best to see the patient and perform a physical examination including the above assessments before a plastic surgeon can make any recommendations. Please post photos if possible for more accurate recommendation.

Robert M. Freund, MD · Answer

Without photos it is hard to evaluate your situation. However, nipple position can be the result of being too high or can be the result of too much breast tissue in the lower half of the breast. The first problem cannot be fixed, the second problem can be fixed by further removal of tissue in the lower half.You can learn more about this by reading my book "Cosmetic Breast Surgery - a complete guide from A to double D".

Emily J. Kirby, MD · Answer

Have you asked your surgeon about the nipple position?  Unfortunately, nipples tend to stay where they are.  Many times the remainder of the breast tissue continues to drop over time, making the position of the nipple appear higher compared with the rest of the breast.  Be sure to discuss this with your surgeon.  Revisions can be done and may be covered by insurance.  Good luck to you.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question but without photos and an examination it is impossible to answer accuratelyDr Corbin

Nipples too high after breast reduction, will they lower over time? (photo)

Answers (6)

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