Nipple
Improving You
What is nipple reconstruction ?
Many people feel embarrassed about their inverted or flat nipples, which can lead to a lack of confidence and leave them feeling self-conscious and insecure about their bodies. Although it’s a subject that isn’t discussed as often as it should be, nipple correction is not uncommon. Correcting inverted and flat nipples is a quick and simple procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia on both women and men.
When considering breast surgery, many patients desire alteration in the size of the nipple/areola area. Patients are happy to hear that nipple correction can be performed at the time of their breast augmentation, lift, reduction, or reconstruction, with little, if any, additional recovery time. Nipple surgery can also be performed by itself in the office using local anesthesia.
Inverted nipples can cause functional as well as emotional concerns for women. Depending on the severity of the condition, an inverted nipple can look flat or have a slit-like depression or hole at the normal nipple location. Correction can be planned after carefully assessing the patient’s needs and the severity of the problem.
Large and/or puffy areolas can cause patients to be concerned with their appearance, as they may be visible through clothing. Large nipples can also be bothersome to a woman’s appearance. In addition to genetics, nipples can change their shape after pregnancy and breastfeeding. When nipples are long or have a large circumference, women may find this unattractive and uncomfortable.
During nipple reconstruction surgery, a surgeon will use skin from the breast or another part of the body to rebuild the nipple on top of the breast mound. They will try to build the new nipple to match the size, shape, and color of the original one.
There are several different types of nipple reconstruction surgery. Surgeons will take a patient’s condition and personal preferences into account when advising on which method may be best.
Stay in hospital
1 day
Surgery duration
1 to 2 hours
Anesthesia
Local
Price list
We accept payments in Armenian Dram
Procedure types
Areola Reduction
Areola Reduction
The objective is to reshape the nipple and areola so that the nipple projects out from the breast, enhancing the appearance of the breast while preserving sensitivity of the nipple. A number of techniques are available to the surgeon to correct this problem. Techniques are also available that leave the milk ducts intact thus preserving the women’s ability to breastfeed.
Nipple Reduction
Areola reductions begin by removing the pigmented area from the outside of the areola. Proper placement of incision and meticulous technique leaves minimal scarring.
Nipple Reduction
Inverted Nipple Repair
Inverted Nipple Repair
The objective is to reshape the nipple and areola so that the nipple projects out from the breast, enhancing the appearance of the breast while preserving sensitivity of the nipple. A number of techniques are available to the surgeon to correct this problem. Techniques are also available that leave the milk ducts intact thus preserving the women’s ability to breastfeed.
What to expect
During your appointment, you should expect your doctor to examine your breasts and ask for a complete medical history, including a list of current medications. If your doctor determines that you are healthy enough for surgery, they will explain the procedure to you, including where to expect scarring, and provide an idea of what your breasts will look like after surgery. They will also ensure that your expectations are realistic.
After the consultation, your doctor will provide you with special instructions for preparation, which may include:
- Avoiding certain medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, for a week before the surgery date.
- Arranging transportation to and from the procedure.
- Fasting the day before surgery if general anesthesia will be used.
- Avoiding make-up and other cosmetics on the day of surgery.
- Wearing comfortable, casual clothes on the day of surgery.
During the procedure, your doctor will cut a circular piece of tissue from your areola in a doughnut shape. This incision will be made along the border of the existing areola to ensure that the scar can be hidden more easily. They will then use a permanent stitch deep in the breast to secure your new areola, which will prevent it from stretching. To create a 3-dimensional raised nipple, your own tissue will be folded on the reconstructed breast using appropriate methods. The entire process typically takes around 30 minutes and is then closed with a special dressing. Removable or dissolvable stitches will be used to close the incision site. After the surgery, your doctor may provide you with a special post-surgical bra or apply surgical pads. If you received a local anesthetic, you should be able to go home almost immediately after the operation. However, if you receive general anesthesia, your doctor will monitor you for several hours before discharging you.
Recovery from areola reduction surgery is relatively quick. Although you may experience some swelling and bruising, you can usually return to work within a day or two. Your doctor may inform you that you should:
- Expect an increase in pain during the first few days after surgery.
- Wear a surgical bra or a soft sports bra for several weeks.
- Avoid physical contact with the chest for three to four weeks.
- Refrain from lifting heavy objects or performing strenuous cardiovascular exercises for the first few weeks.
It may take several weeks before you can appreciate the results of areola reduction surgery. You will notice that your areolas are smaller and more focused, and you will also see a ring-shaped scar around your new areola. The complete healing process can take up to a year.
Doctors
Frequently asked questions
Most patients return home later the same day after having surgery. In some rare cases, we may advise the patient to stay overnight at our purpose-built hospital location. Your surgeon will be able to advise you during your consultation.
In many cases, breastfeeding may not be possible after nipple surgery. It is also possible that surgery cannot help correct the issue. In some rare instances, the ability to breastfeed may not be possible after corrective surgery as the milk duct needs to be cut to restore the nipple’s natural projection.
The good news is that this breast surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, which may sting only during the initial injection.
The procedure takes roughly half an hour. You can expect to be at the hospital for an hour and a half to two hours on the day of your procedure.
