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Improving Breast Aesthetics Through Nipple Correction Surgery
inverted nipple
Oct 3, 2018

Do you feel self-conscious about the appearance of your nipples? Consider having them corrected during a quick procedure with Gary D. Breslow MD, an renowned New Jersey plastic surgeon specialized in surgery of the breasts.

inverted nipple

Are my nipples and areolae normal?

Women’s breasts are as diverse as there are women on the planet. Some have areolas that cover the entire bulbous area of their bosom, while others have areolas that barely outline their nipples. Areolas can be round, elliptical, asymmetrical, or anything in between. A woman might even have two differently-sized areolas, or nipples that vary in length and diameter.

Consistent with the areola, nipples also have their own distinctly unique characteristics; they range in color from light pink to dark brown, and can be long, short, or possibly inverted. Some women’s nipples only appear to be erect when cold or stimulated, while others are perpetually erect regardless of temperature or various external factors.

Although one recent study concluded that the average adult female has areolae of approximately 38.1 mm in diameter, there’s no real standard of what might constitute “normal” breasts. There are, however, certain attributes to the female bosom that many people find more aesthetically pleasing than others.

In our culture, women tend to be more self-conscious about their breasts than other parts of their bodies, perhaps because they are so personal and distinctive. As such, when a woman believes her nipples are misshapen, exposing them can become a source of embarrassment and something she’d ideally like to have corrected.

Fortunately, nipple correction surgery is a relatively simple procedure that effectively addresses this common aesthetic concern.

Inverted nipple correction

Nipple correction surgery can be performed on patients with enlarged, asymmetrical, protruding, or inverted nipples.

When the patient has inverted nipples, which typical result from a muscle traction imbalance, a tiny incision is made at the nipple-areola junction to lift the tissue and stitch it into its new position. The entire procedure can be performed either in-office or at a medical center, and generally takes no more than an hour to complete.

Nipple and areola correction surgeries are also regularly performed in conjunction with other procedures such as breast lifts, reductions, and breast enhancement surgery. In fact, with almost every breast reduction or lift, the size of the areola is adjusted to improve the proportions and symmetry of both breasts. An incision is made in the nipple or around the areola, and the unwanted excess tissue is removed through it.

breast reduction

RELATED: Breast Reduction Recovery and Results — FAQs

Nipple surgery recovery

Patients are able to return home the same day, and in most cases can return to work within two days of their operation.

Along with the inevitable post-op swelling there may be some bruising to contend with. You may also notice a degree of numbness around both breasts. While the swelling can remain for several weeks — and on rare occasions longer — most patients report only minor discomfort that is effectively controlled with over-the-counter pain medication.

Because nipple and areola correction does not require general anaesthesia, there is no dizziness or nausea immediately following the surgery, and the final results become fully visible as soon as the swelling subsides. Most facilities use dissolvable stitches for these procedures so there’s no need to return for another appointment to have them removed. Also bear in mind that both breasts may not heal at an equal rate, but this is relatively common and definitely no cause for alarm.

As with any procedure that requires an incision, there is scarring with nipple correction as well. That said, however, the scars associated with the operation are relatively minor to begin with, fade considerably over time, and are carefully located so they become that much less conspicuous as the incisions heal.

Potential side-effects and complications

As with all surgical procedures, there are potential negative side-effects to consider with nipple correction surgery, although they are mild, minimal, and unlikely to develop.

Nevertheless, you should always try to learn as much as possible about any elective surgery you’re preparing to undergo. Depending on your own unique circumstances, the potential risks and side-effects of a procedure could ultimately prove to be the most relevant information for you to know.

With nipple correction surgery, the most common side-effects and complications include:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Bruising
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Complications from the anaesthesia used
  • Hematoma

While tremendously rare, nipple necrosis is also a remote possibility, made just a little less remote if you regularly smoke tobacco. Re-inversion may also occur in patients who underwent inverted nipple surgery.

Will I be able to breastfeed?

Before undergoing nipple correction surgery, one of the most important considerations is specific to women who would like to breastfeed in the future. While the risks can be mitigated based on factors such as the surgical technique employed, permanent damage to your milk ducts and reduced sensation can result from the procedure.

How much does it cost?

In the United States the cost of nipple correction surgery varies considerably from doctor to doctor and region to region, but in general you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $4,000. Because it’s considered to be strictly cosmetic, few if any health insurance policies cover the procedure.

To find out more this simple and highly effective procedure, contact Dr. Gary D. Breslow, MD for a consultation at The Breslow Center in Paramus, NJ today!

About the Author

Dr. Gary Breslow, MD, FACS

Dr. Gary Breslow, MD, FACS

Is a highly regarded plastic surgeon in Paramus New Jersey, known by both patients and peers as a problem-solver with a warm, engaging personality, and an instinctive ability to identify and truly understand the goals of his patients and the patients, themselves. Dr. Breslow has dedicated his efforts to providing results of only the most unsurpassed quality, continually staying abreast of the most advanced techniques in cosmetic surgery for the benefit of his patients. Dr. Breslow is Board-Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is licensed to practice plastic & reconstructive surgery in both New Jersey and New York.

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