Nipple & Areola Correction

Overview

What is nipple & areola correction?

A lot of attention is given to breast procedures such as breast reduction, and breast lifts within the medical community that many women aren’t even aware that problems isolated to just the nipples and the areolas can also be addressed.

Most patients who seek correction in these areas do so because they are unhappy with the current appearance. Common areola problems include disproportionately large ones or those that protrude with a “puffy” appearance. For the nipple, some commons problems include ones that are inverted, asymmetric or enlarged.

Are you a good candidate?

You may be a good candidate for nipple or areola correction surgery if you are:

• You are in good overall health
• You do not have any major medical problems
• You are informed about the risks and benefits associated with the procedure
• Wish to change the size, proportion, or appearance of your nipple and/or areola
• You have realistic expectations

Nipple & areola procedures

The following are some common procedures for the nipple and areola.

• Nipple Ptosis Correction (Nipple lift): procedure which lifts the nipples into a more aesthetic position. Nipple lifts can also reposition nipples that are too narrowly or widely set apart.
• Nipple Reduction: A reduction procedure for unusually large nipples, also called hypertrophic nipples. Results in a smaller, less pendulous nipple.
• Inverted Nipple Correction: Surgical procedure done to release the underlying tissues.
• Areola Irregularity or Asymmetry Enhancement: Surgical correction involves removing some of the skin adjacent to or within the pigmented areola and suturing it to provide an improved cosmetic result and symmetry.

Complications & risks

All medical procedures come with some degree of risk. Some possible complications include:

• Infection
• Nerve damage
• Temporary or permanent numbness
• Loss of sensation
• Scars
• Milk duck blockage

While the ability to breastfeed is usually preserved after the surgery, there is always the slight possibility that surgical complications could lead to difficulties.

Recovery time

The recovery period from this type of surgery is relatively brief. The amount of time needed to recover varies from patient to patient, but most are able to resume their normal lives and return back to work within a couple of days.

In the first few days after surgery you may feel some discomfort, but this can be easily mitigated through the use of pain relievers.

In some cases, your surgeon may advise that you abstain from any sexual activity or from any high-intensity exercises for a few weeks.

Cost of surgery

Depending on the complexity of the procedures, areola and nipple surgery can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.

• Nipple Ptosis Correction (Nipple lift): $1,000-$2,000
  
• Nipple Reduction: $1,000 to $2,000
  
• Inverted Nipple Correction: $2,000-$4,000
• Areola Irregularity or Asymmetry Enhancement: $2,000-$5,000

Ask your doctor about financing options if you are unable to pay the upfront cost.