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