Nipple Correction Surgery

The approach to surgery will depend on the cosmetic concern that you’re looking to address. There are many nipple variations. One nipple may protrude, while the other may be inverted, but they’re all normal.

We can usually perform a nipple correction procedure under local anaesthesia or IV sedation to minimise downtime and risks. However, this depends on whether we will combine nipple correction with any other procedures.

INVERTED NIPPLE CORRECTION

The surgeon will make a small incision along the centre of the nipple, through which they will pull the nipple out by releasing the tethered fibres, so it protrudes naturally. They will then close the incision with a stay suture that holds the nipple in the outward position. Following this, your surgeon will wrap a dressing around your chest. Occasionally, we can resolve this with the use of dermal filler.

NIPPLE REDUCTION

For a nipple reduction, the incision is discreet within the areola where the surgeon will remove the unwanted tissue to reduce its size or reshape it. They may repeat the process on both nipples to achieve optimal balance. We often combine this procedure with an areola reduction to reduce the size of the darker area surrounding the nipple.

NIPPLE REMOVAL

This operation is minimally invasive, quick and has virtually no downtime. We can also perform this operation with a local anaesthetic. The surgeon will make a small incision to remove the nipple and close it with an inconspicuous scar.

NIPPLE LIFT

Your surgeon will make a small incision around the areola and remove the nipple and areola and move it to a more natural position. The surgeon reconnects the nipple back to the nerves and blood vessels.

The procedure is suitable for anyone who:

• Is unhappy with the shape, position or size of their nipples
• Has puffy nipples and areolas
• May have asymmetry of the nipples
• Has inverted nipples
• Requires a subtle lift (can improve the appearance of tuberous breasts by improving the nipple shape)

INVERTED NIPPLE

You should see immediate results, but optimal results will show after around two weeks.

NIPPLE REDUCTION

After ten days, the nipples should be healing well, but optimal results will show between 3-6 months.

NIPPLE REMOVAL

After around two weeks. You may have a small scar which will fade over time.

NIPPLE LIFT

Results will be immediate, but you may have swelling that lasts for a few weeks.

INVERTED NIPPLE CORRECTION

Downtime is minimal so you can return to work immediately but should try to avoid vigorous exercise for the first week. We remove the stitches after one week. We’ll encourage you to avoid wearing tight clothing for up to 6 weeks and to make a hole through your bra, so the nipple doesn’t revert inwards. You may encounter sensitivity or changes in nipple sensation that can last six weeks.

NIPPLE REDUCTION

You should be able to return to work as soon as you feel ready. You will experience some swelling and soreness for the first week or two after your nipple correction. The stitches are absorbable and won’t require removal. The nipple usually heals within around ten days. The surgeon may recommend that you wear a protective garment to aid recovery.

NIPPLE REMOVAL

Overall recovery is around a week. The stitches we use are usually absorbable so won’t need removing. We may require you to wear a surgical dressing.

Approximately 30 minutes – 1 hour.

• Changes in nipple sensation
• The potential loss of ability to breastfeed
• Recurrence of an inverted nipple
• Tenderness
• Swelling, bruising and discomfort – with a nipple reduction 

An inverted nipple correction won’t leave a scar.

A nipple reduction may leave a small scar depending on the technique. We can improve its appearance with laser treatments and Endermologie.

After a nipple lift, you may have a tiny scar depending on the incision type. We’ll either create a semi-circle incision around the areola, or a circumferential incision around the entire areola. Regardless, it will be virtually undetectable.

In some cases, we may be able to address your concerns non-surgically. For example, if you would like to enhance the projection of the nipples or prefer a more erect appearance to them, we could inject dermal filler to augment them.

Some surgical approaches involve cutting the milk duct, which can implicate your ability to breastfeed. Your surgeon will discuss this with you before your nipple correction surgery.