How do I fix nipple position when it's below chest? (Photo)

Question

I was fat and had gyno surgery when i was younger. Ive since gotten fit but my nipple position is off. It sits below my chest, how do i correct this. Ive seen donut lifts and areola looks so stretched and awful that idk if its worthwhile to do or if im better off living with it as is. Any suggestions?

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

A peri-areolar (donut) lift will do nothing in your case and make things worse. If anything, you would need elliptical removal of the nipple-areolar complex with free nipple graft in a more appropriate location. You will have two transverse scars where the nipple is removed and the areolar pigment can be variable after free grafting. So careful consideration is needed as you are doing.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Mikey Mike,

Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about the position of your nipple areolar complex following previous gynecomastia surgery. It's great to hear about your fitness progress, though I understand your concern about the aesthetic aspects.

From your description, it appears that your nipple areolar complex is positioned below the ideal line at the inferior border of the pectoralis major muscle, which is a common issue post-gynecomastia surgery, especially if substantial weight changes occurred afterward.

To correct this, a procedure known as a crescent lift might be suitable. This involves making a semi-circular incision around the upper half of the areola, removing a crescent-shaped piece of skin, and then lifting and repositioning the nipple areolar complex higher on the chest wall. This method avoids the more extensive 'doughnut' lift, which you mentioned concerns about due to potential stretching and scarring of the areola.

It's important to balance the aesthetic improvement with the potential for scarring. If the appearance of scars is a significant concern, it would be wise to discuss minimally invasive options or less extensive surgical adjustments with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience in male chest reconstruction.

Ultimately, the decision should be based on a thorough consultation where you can express your concerns, evaluate before and after images, and align your expectations with what can realistically be achieved through surgery.

Good luck, and I hope this provides clarity on your options for improving the nipple position.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

Jonathan Brower, MD · Answer

That extra skin along the pec fold can be removed so the scar hides in the shadow of the fold. The nipple should be grafted to the appropriate position. It'll look great.

Mario Arturo Moran Romero, MD · Answer

To improve nipple position, I would recommend doing free nipple graft. With direct incision. The scar will be hide in the inferior pectoral border. And then the nipple graft can be placed in the correct position. The procedure is easy to perform. However, you will experience lack of sensibility from the nipple. I don’t recommend in male patient doing traditional mastopexy techniques since those procedure tend to produce a feminine result.

Jared Blau, MD · Answer

Thank you for uploading your photos. You are clearly in good shape and it’s a great starting point because you’ve had prior gyno surgery to remove the gland. The next step is a more minor procedure to take some skin out from above the nipple and move the nipple into that higher position. Hope this helps!

How do I fix nipple position when it's below chest? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Dear Mikeymike

Answer: Dear Mikeymike

Answer: 90% of the way there

Answer: 90% of the way there

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

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

How do I fix nipple position when it's below chest? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Dear Mikeymike

Answer: Dear Mikeymike

Answer: 90% of the way there

Answer: 90% of the way there

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

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