Cosmetic Procedures for the Nipples and Areolas

How plastic surgery can correct your nipples and areolas.

Whether or not you have had plastic surgery to alter your chest and/or breasts, sometimes we wish to change the physical appearance of our nipples and areolas. The nipples and areolas are often the central focus of the breast and chest on both men and women. Everyone has an idea of what they would like their nipples and areolas to look like, and luckily there are multiple types of cosmetic procedures available to help you feel your best. Some of these procedures include nipple lifts, correction of inverted nipples, and changing the shape of the areola. Procedures will vary in necessity from person to person, and it’s important to talk to your doctor about your particular concerns to be sure you choose the procedure that is best for you. Below are some of the commonly performed cosmetic procedures for the nipples and areolas.

Inverted Nipple Correction

Most nipples stick out from the body, however, some nipples can be inverted and are below the skin instead. Some reasons behind this inversion can include the changing in breasts during puberty and changes resulting from breastfeeding amongst others. Inverted nipples can range from being completely below the surface to sticking out when manually stimulated, and the surgical cosmetic procedure works to change this appearance by releasing the tissue that is causing the nipples to be inverted. This surgery is performed while the patient is under local anesthesia or is sedated, and can also be done in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures on the breast. If performed alone, the recovery for this is almost immediate, and aside from swelling the time to return to normal activities is as little as one day.

Nipple Reduction

Usually a result of breastfeeding, some women may find that the shape and direction of their nipples may change due to the stress on the nipple. Some men and women may also simply find themselves with this issue as a result of breast development. Nipple reduction is the cosmetic procedure designed to create the aesthetics of the nipple that you desire, helping to reduce the size while creating more symmetry between the two. Nipple reduction can also alter the shape if you desire something more round then your current shape of the nipple. This surgery is also performed under local anesthesia, and can also be performed in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures on the breast. Following the nipple reduction procedure, it is important to allow your body the correct time to heal. If it was performed with another breast augmentation procedure, the recovery time is longer, however, if it is performed alone patients can expect to heal much quicker and in a matter of days.

Nipple Lift

For those that are concerned with the location of their nipples on the breast, a nipple lift can be performed to bring the nipple up to a higher position and appear more centered. The low location of a nipple is called ptosis, and it can be improved with surgery for those who are unhappy with the location. Nipples are usually lower on larger breast sizes, or if changes have been made during breast development or as a result of breastfeeding. The lifting surgery can also bring nipples either closer together or farther apart depending on what the patient desires. The nipple lift is performed alongside a breast lift or breast reduction and will depend on the amount of tissue that is being altered. Since this surgery is done along with a breast augmentation surgery, the typical recovery is between 2-3 weeks as the patient rests and allows their breasts to heal completely.

Areola Altering Procedures

The skin around the nipple makes up the areola. The areola can vary in size and color on each individual, and some may find themselves unhappy with the shape as well. To complete the cosmetic procedure for creating a more aesthetically pleasing areola, some of the skin around the nipple will be either sutured, enlarged, or reduced to help create a more round and sightly appearance. It is important to note that post-surgery, there will be a scar around your new areola that can take up to one year to completely heal. The procedure can be performed either on its own or in conjunction with another breast augmentation surgery. Recovery after the procedure will vary from person to person, and will have some swelling or bruising but should be comfortable enough to resume normal activities within one to two days after the procedure.

Procedures for Male Nipple Enhancements

When men have chest enhancement procedures performed, it can sometimes cause the nipple to become altered, stretched, or appear in a different position than before. Some men have enhancements performed due to gynecomastia, which is when there is excess breast tissue present over the pectoral muscles causing an undesirable appearance. Some men would also prefer the shape of their areola be altered as well to be either larger or smaller. This procedure will help enhance both the aesthetics of the male chest enhancements and will be determined based on the individual patient’s needs.

Removal of Supernumerary Nipples

While they may simply look like a mole, sometimes supernumerary nipples – commonly referred to as a “third nipple” – can be present on both men and woman due to excess breast tissue in an undesirable location. These are usually found amongst the chest and abdomen, and are circular and have various color pigments from pink to brown, however, they can also be found on other areas of the body. These nipples do not have any medical effect on a person but can be unsightly in appearance. This procedure removes the breast tissue underlying these nipples as well as the nipples or areolas themselves. This procedure is usually quick and noninvasive and does not require much recovery time.