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.Â
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.Â
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
Pros
Cons
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.
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.Â
The exact surgical technique they use will depend in part on whether you're also having areola reduction surgery or other breast procedures, including:
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.
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.
You won't feel any pain during the nipple reduction procedure itself, since local anesthetic will keep you comfortable.Â
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.
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.
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.Â
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.
Updated June 13, 2023