Nipple and areola surgery also referred to as nipple reduction surgery, can be performed for a variety of reasons. Patients may want to adjust the size, shape, or symmetry of the nipple and areola for aesthetic or other personal reasons.
To undergo nipple and areola surgery at Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery in Melbourne, patients will need to undergo breast surgery such as a breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction.
Understanding the nipple and areola complex
Many people mistakenly believe that the nipple is the frontal part of the breast. In reality, the nipple is the central part, connected to the mammary glands responsible for producing milk.
Surrounding the nipple is the areola, a darker pigmented area that can vary in size and is typically round or oval in shape. Together, the nipple and areola form what is known as the nipple areola complex.
The appearance of the nipple areola complex greatly varies from person to person, and each breast may naturally have differences in its symmetry. This is why nipple and areola surgery, or nipple reduction surgery, needs to be a highly personalised procedure – just like most types of cosmetic surgery.
Why do patients have nipple and areola surgery?
As part of a breast procedure (such as an augmentation, lift or reduction), a patient may have nipple and areola surgery or nipple reduction surgery for a variety of personal reasons.
It may address purely cosmetic (aesthetic) factors such as inverted, enlarged, or asymmetrical nipples and areolae, or it may be part of a medically necessary procedure, such as to help treat gynaecomastia in men by reducing areola size.
Nipple and areola surgery is a common part of breast reconstruction after mastectomy. It is customised to the patient’s specific needs, making a thorough consultation with a skilled plastic surgeon important to understand the procedure and its expected results.
The surgery is also often performed during breast lifts or reductions to reposition nipples that may sit low or point downward, often reducing the size or protrusion of the areola by removing excess tissue.
How is nipple reduction surgery performed?
Nipple and areola surgery, whether for a lift, reduction, reconstruction, or another type of breast surgery, is performed with highly personalised procedure steps.
When you have your consultation with your surgeon, you’ll discuss the details of your specific type of breast surgery in more detail and how nipple and areola surgery will be included.
Generally, your procedure will be performed under general anaesthesia and will involve incisions being made around the areola. Then, the procedure can involve tissue removal, reshaping, or reconstruction using tissue from other areas – depending on your needs. Your surgeon can explain the steps that will be taken during your consultation.
Once the changes are made, the incisions are closed with sutures, which may either dissolve or need removal later. When the procedure is complete, sterile dressings and sometimes a surgical bra are then used to protect the area and aid in healing.
Who is a suitable candidate for nipple reduction surgery?
A good candidate for nipple and areola surgery is someone who wants to change the size, shape, profile, or asymmetry of the nipples and/or areolae. This also includes men with gynaecomastia, who may need to address the nipples to treat the condition.
Candidates should be in overall good physical health, with no active infections or breast diseases that could complicate the process. Suitable candidates will also need to have a stable body weight, as significant changes can impact the results of the procedure. Smoking can negatively affect healing, so candidates should either be non-smokers or be willing to stop prior to surgery.
Your surgeon will discuss your suitability for the procedure during your consultation, and provide you with any preparation instructions (such as quitting smoking or pausing certain medications) that can help you become a more suitable candidate.
What does the recovery process involve?
Your recovery after nipple and areola surgery will depend on the type of breast procedure that was performed, so your surgeon will explain what you can expect during your consultation.
Generally, you will be monitored in a recovery room until you are stable and fully awake after your surgery before you are able to return home. You won’t be able to drive, so you’ll need to arrange for someone to take you home. Your surgeon will give you recovery instructions to follow at home and let you know if you need to return for follow-up appointments.
Your instructions will include wound care instructions to prevent the incision sites from becoming infected and reduce the visibility of scarring. These steps may include changing dressings, keeping the surgical site clean and dry, and avoiding submerging the incision site in water until your surgeon advises.
If advised, wearing a surgical bra will also aid in healing, helping to reduce swelling. Swelling and bruising are normal after the procedure and should gradually decrease over the following weeks. As well as wearing your compression bra, elevating your upper body while resting can help reduce swelling, and applying cold compresses as instructed may also help to manage any discomfort. You should also take any prescribed pain medications to manage discomfort, making sure to follow the instructions on when to take them.
Your surgeon will also advise when you will be able to return to work, exercise, and other normal daily activities. Your exact recovery timeline will ultimately depend on the extent of the procedure, how well you are healing, and other details that can vary from one patient to another. Results can take some time to show, usually a matter of weeks or months, as the swelling subsides and the tissues settle into their new shape.
Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery Melbourne
Based in Melbourne, surgeons at Coco Ruby are experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeons who perform breast, body, face, nose and eyelid procedures.
Passionate about the field of plastic surgery and performing procedures to a high standard, surgeons at Coco Ruby have also taught courses, contributed to industry advancements and research (including medical book chapters and articles on corrective surgery for breast asymmetry and breast reduction techniques), and presented at conferences around the world (including the Breast Masters conference).
If you want to undergo nipple and areola surgery as part of your breast surgery, please contact our team to arrange your consultation with a highly experienced and qualified plastic surgeon.
