Nipple Correction

There are several instances where nipple correction surgery may be required. This can include having inverted nipples, enlarged nipples or the areola appears widened. These are all common concerns for both men and women. Nipple correction can also be referred to as areola surgery or inverted nipple correction surgery.

What Is Areola Surgery?

Areola surgery involves the correction of the nipples when they are deformed in any way. It can help to improve the appearance of the nipples to provide them with more aesthetically pleasing results. Inverted nipple correction surgery can also be combined with other breast augmentation surgery.

Inverted nipples are very common and can happen to both males and females and many opt for a nipple correction. This occurs due to one’s milk duct in the nipple being too short which in turn pulls the nipple in. This commonly happens gradually through puberty as this is when the most changes happen to the breasts. When one opts for inverted nipple correction, the surgeon will either stretch the short milk duct or alternatively cut them. This then helps to release the nipple tension for it to protrude once more. 

Who Is Suitable For An Inverted Nipple Correction

Having inverted nipples is painless but it can be distressing for some people as the condition can reduce self-esteem due to the breasts looking distorted. If one has inverted nipples, then it can be troublesome for those who wish to have children and breastfeed due to the baby not being able to latch onto the nipple. There are many people who are suitable for areola surgery, but the ideal candidate for nipple correction includes those who are:

  • Having trouble feeding their baby.
  • Becoming self-conscious because of the inverted nipples.
  • Seeing no development with non-surgical techniques such as the Niplette device
  • Wanting a long-lasting result.

Case Studies

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How Do I Prepare For Nipple Correction Surgery?

Inverted nipples normally occur as a result of shortened milk ducts. In surgery, these tend to be cut off but a procedure can also be done to preserve these milk ducts in the nipples. A consultation will be conducted prior to the areola surgery to discover what the best option is for you. We’ll ask questions regarding your future plans and breastfeeding, as well as general questions about your health and lifestyle. Your nipple correction consultation will provide you with a space to discuss if you have concerns about the surgery. There are some things that you must do to prepare for your inverted nipple correction including:

  • Avoid smoking six weeks before the areola surgery. This is important as smoking makes your blood vessels more prone to clotting and also stunts recovery time. 
  • Due to you being under anaesthesia, it is wise to not take any aspirin as this may reduce the effectiveness of the anaesthesia.
  • Avoid anti-inflammatories and herbal supplements to ensure the anaesthesia works effectively.

After your nipple correction, you may need some assistance so it is best to have someone look after you for the first day or two with driving and other everyday tasks.

How Is The Inverted Nipple Correction Conducted?

The technique used for the treatment depends on the type of nipple correction that you require. It will be performed under general or local anaesthetic and you should expect it to take between 30 minutes and 2 hours. As the surgery isn’t as extensive as other procedures, you should be able to return home the same day as you have the areola surgery.

An incision will be placed around the areola area where work will begin to adjust the appearance of the nipple. Excess tissue may need to be removed in order to make the corrections. Surgery involving inverted nipple correction requires a splint to be applied so that the nipple can remain in a protruding position.

What Happens After Areola Surgery?

As the downtime for the areola surgery is relatively short, you should expect to go home the same day. There will be some form of swelling and bruising but this will fade over time. You should ensure that someone is available to pick you up after the nipple correction surgery.

To prevent the nipple compressing again or being interfered with, it will also be advised not to wear padded bras or tight clothing for around 2 weeks. A gauze bandage may be applied, though.

Patients recover at different rates, so any concerns that you have should be discussed during your inverted nipple correction consultation.

FAQs

  • What Complications Can Arise From Nipple Correction Surgery?

    Although the majority of patients are happy with the results of their areola surgery, there are risks of complications that can arise from it. It is important to understand the risks and complications of a nipple correction so you can make an informed decision. Once you have your first areola surgery consultation, you will have a better understanding of the risks. These can include:

    Breastfeeding Can Be Affected

    A nipple correction can be done in two different techniques. Pending on the technique you use will have a direct impact on whether you can breastfeed or not. The surgeon will of course try their best to keep as many milk ducts as possible. Due to breastfeeding being affected, it is not uncommon for a surgeon to recommend that the patient finishes their family before they have inverted nipple correction.

    Scarring

    Due to surgery requiring a surgeon to make incisions, unfortunately scarring is inevitable. When one opts for areola surgery, the surgeon will need to make incisions around the areola. The scarring should be minimal, but this depends entirely on the type of skin you have and its ability to heal. 

    Nipple Reverts Back

    After one has a nipple correction, there is a possibility that it will re-invert again. If this is going to happen, then it is going to happen within the first couple of days to weeks after the inverted nipple correction. 

  • When Will I See The Final Results Of My Nipple Correction?

    Due to inverted nipple correction being a relatively simple procedure, you may be able to notice the immediate difference in how your nipples look. You will only be able to see the difference when your swelling and bruising has settled. Usually, it can take up to 6 weeks for this to happen, and at this time, your scarring should start to disappear. 

  • Will I Need Additional Surgeries After A Nipple Correction?

    The technique used on the areola surgery can influence the end results of the procedure. There is a possibility that your nipple may invert once more. If the surgeon decides to stretch the milk duct, rather than cut it, then you are more likely to have your nipple invert. 

  • Do You Have Areola Surgery Before And After Examples

    There are many forms of nipple corrections so it is difficult to give you areola surgery before and after examples that will fully match your needs. As you can see, we have provided an example on this page. If you would like to see more examples, you can see them on our case studies page. Once you have your first areola surgery consultation, you will have a better idea of what to expect. 

  • How Much Does Inverted Nipples Correction Cost?

    A nipple correction can be combined with a range of different procedures such as a breast lift. Due to the procedure being different for all patients, it is difficult to give you an inverted nipples correction cost. Once you have your areola surgery consultation, your surgeon will give you the full run-through of the costs including surgeon cost, surgery cost and everything else included. If you would like to learn more about our procedures, contact us today and we will guide you through the process.