Q: What are the pros and cons of nipple reduction surgery?

Pros It can make stretched, droopy nipples or large nipples smaller and more proportional. RealSelf members who rated the procedure “Worth It” report increased confidence and feelings of relief in knowing that the appearance of their nipples is more well-proportioned. It's a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery that doesn’t require significant downtime. Performed in tandem with other breast augmentation procedures, nipple reduction can help create a more youthful appearance of the breasts. Cons There’s a small risk that you may not be able to breastfeed afterward. Temporary loss of nipple sensation is another risk.

Question 1

What is nipple reduction surgery?

Accepted Answer

Nipple reduction is a relatively quick, safe surgical procedure that can reduce the size of one or both nipples, to improve their appearance. It can shorten both nipple length and reduce width, creating more balance between the nipple and areola.

It can be performed on men and women, though it’s more commonly sought out by women whose nipples have become stretched and droopy from breastfeeding.

Any healthy adult who feels self-conscious about their nipple appearance and has realistic expectations for the final result can be a good candidate for this procedure.

Related: 6 Things You've Always Wondered About Areolas but Didn't Want to Ask

Question 2

What are the pros and cons of nipple reduction surgery?

Accepted Answer

Pros

It can make stretched, droopy nipples or large nipples smaller and more proportional.
RealSelf members who rated the procedure “Worth It” report increased confidence and feelings of relief in knowing that the appearance of their nipples is more well-proportioned.
It's a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery that doesn’t require significant downtime.
Performed in tandem with other breast augmentation procedures, nipple reduction can help create a more youthful appearance of the breasts.

Cons

There’s a small risk that you may not be able to breastfeed afterward.
Temporary loss of nipple sensation is another risk.

Question 3

How much does nipple reduction cost?

Accepted Answer

Your cost will depend on your surgeon’s practice location, their level of experience, and whether you combine this with any other procedure.

Nipple revision and reduction surgery is considered an elective cosmetic procedure, so it’s not covered by most health insurance plans.

Question 4

What happens during nipple reduction surgery?

Accepted Answer

A nipple reduction procedure typically takes less than an hour. After making a small, circular incision around the nipple itself, the surgeon removes excess tissue and reshapes remaining tissue to reduce the nipple size, taking care to make the nipples as symmetrical as possible.

The exact surgical technique they use will depend in part on whether you're also having areola reduction surgery or other breast procedures, including:

Breast augmentation: Combining nipple and areola reduction with breast implant surgery or fat transfer breast augmentation can restore volume and enhance the shape of the entire breast.
Breast lift: Also called a mastopexy, this breast surgery raises sagging breasts by removing excess tissue, reshaping the breast, and repositioning the nipple. A breast lift and nipple reduction combination can be a good option for women whose breast skin, areolas, and nipples have stretched due to pregnancy and breastfeeding. It can also be combined with breast augmentation.
Breast reduction: Women with disproportionately large breasts often have large areolas and nipples, which can be reduced during breast reduction surgery.

Nipple reduction surgery is typically done under local anesthesia when it's performed alone, while more involved breast procedures are usually performed under general anesthesia.

Question 5

Does nipple reduction surgery leave a scar?

Accepted Answer

There is a small chance that you will have visible scarring after a nipple reduction. If this becomes a concern, your surgeon can recommend a scar treatment.

Question 6

Is nipple reduction painful?

Accepted Answer

You won't feel any pain during the nipple reduction procedure itself, since local anesthetic will keep you comfortable.

Your nipples may feel tender and sore for about a week after your procedure. Your doctor will most likely recommend over-the-counter pain medication.

Question 7

Is nipple reduction surgery safe?

Accepted Answer

The procedure is considered to be safe, with fewer risks and potential side effects of most types of plastic surgery.

Complications from nipple reduction surgery are rare, but potential risks include temporary loss of sensation in the nipple and infection at the incision site. Your surgeon will give you post-procedure care recommendations to reduce this risk.

There’s also a small risk that women will have difficulty breastfeeding in the future, though in the hands of an experienced surgeon, this complication should be extremely rare. Atlanta plastic surgeon Dr. Nelson Castillo explains that “although it’s a risk, there are options for surgically reducing the projection of a woman’s nipple without disrupting the milk ducts.”

Lutherville, Maryland plastic surgeon Dr. Michele Shermak agrees, saying that you should be able to breastfeed after nipple reduction because while tissue is removed, “the attachments of the nipple to the breast remain intact.” Talk with your surgeon about their technique, to ensure they are mindful of mitigating this risk.

Question 8

What should you expect during nipple reduction recovery?

Accepted Answer

You won’t need to take time off work, but you’ll have some tenderness, swelling, bruising, and discomfort during the healing process. The swelling should start to resolve after the first week, though it could take up to six weeks to fully heal.

During this time, your surgeon may recommend wearing a specialized surgical bra to protect your nipples. You'll also need to avoid strenuous activity.

You’ll likely have stitches along the incisions. These will either be taken out by your doctor around one week post-op in a follow-up visit or dissolve on their own, depending on the type of sutures used.

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Rebecca Dancer

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