Are my nipples too big? (Photo)

Question

I've always been self conscious about my nipples, so I was wondering if surgery to reduce their size would be a viable option. Also, I've heard that if you lose weight, your areolas can decrease in size. Is that true? Thanks

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and for posting photos along with it! Before I answer your question I just want to clarify something...There is the nipple, the areola and the nipple areola complex. The areola is the darker colored, circular portion of the breast and the nipple is the small raised mound in the center of that colored portion. The nipple areola complex is that whole structure as one. It sounds like you are more concerned with the areola than the actual nipple. So to answer your question....yes! If the size of your areola bother you than something can be done about that. If I saw a patient like you in my office I would also recommend a lift as well. A lift will not only make your areolas smaller but also make your breast look more youthful and perky while lifting the nipple areola complex to a more centered position on your breasts. As long as your a good surgical candidate this can be done under IV sedation, which is the way that I perform all my surgeries. I have attached a before and after photo of a patient of mine who underwent massive weight loss and I performed a lift on her and significantly reduced the size of her nipples. I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck in your plastic surgery journey! Please make sure you are being evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph, and I am sorry that your nipples are causing you to be self-conscious.  Much like breast size, nipple and areola size exists along a very wide spectrum, and yours are definitely normal.  There are operations that can reduce the size of your areolas alone, or which can be combined into other procedures, such as a breast reduction or breast lift, and if you are interested, I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon for an in-person consultation to discuss the best treatment option for you.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Nipples and areolas vary wildly in size, shape and color between women and whether they are "too big" is really in the eye of the beholder. If you feel that your nipples are too big, then they are too big for you (but might be perfectly fine for someone else). There are options to improve the size of them but the only way to know for surest you would be a good candidate is to book a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to see what your options are. Best of luck!

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

Areola vary widely in size, shape and colour and ultimately if you are unhappy with the size of your areola you can elect to undergo and areola reduction.  This can be performed on its own or combined with a breast lift procedure if you wanted to lift your breasts into a more elevated position. If you lose weight your breasts will likely lose some volume but your areola will stay the same size.  A consultation with a fully qualified plastic surgeon is your best step in order to discuss your goals and surgical options.

Michael C. Edwards, MD, FACS · Answer

There is a tremendous variety in the size and shape of the areola (pigmented area around your nipples and the nipples themselves. Factors that can effect the size are the size of you breasts, pregnancies, weight changes. If you decide to have a breast lift with or without a breast implant, your areola will be made smaller as a result of this surgery. I would recommend you schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to allow them to examine you and then review all of your options.I hope this helpsDr. Edwards

Are my nipples too big? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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