Nipple and Areola Reshaping
Many factors can influence the appearance of your nipples and areolas, including natural aging, weight gain or loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, development, hormones, disease, injury, prior surgeries, and medical conditions. If you feel dissatisfied with your nipple or areola shape, size, position, or projection, there are surgical techniques that we can use to address your concerns.
Types of nipple and areola reshaping procedures:
Nipple Lift Procedure
Drooping, enlarged breasts can cause the nipples to hang in a low position, a condition called ptosis. Nipple lifts raise the nipples into a more aesthetically pleasing, natural position, while also addressing asymmetry. We can perform nipple lifts as a standalone procedure, or along with a breast lift, breast reduction, or breast augmentation.
Nipple and Areola Reductions
Enlarged and drooping nipples, often called hypertrophic nipples, can result from breastfeeding or may develop during breast development. Patients seeking nipple and areola reductions typically want to achieve a smaller, less pendulous nipple shape. We can perform nipple reductions as a standalone procedure, or along with a breast lift, breast reduction, or breast augmentation.
Inverted Nipple Correction
Inverted nipples are withdrawn, pointing inward or laying flat instead of projecting outward. They occur when the milk ducts underneath the nipple are tight or shortened, tugging the nipple skin inward. Inverted nipple correction surgery releases tethered tissue, allowing the nipple to project outward in a more natural position. We perform nipple correction surgery as an outpatient procedure and use a local anesthetic.
Supernumerary Nipple Removal
Supernumerary nipples and accessory breast tissue can develop on the chest, abdomen, or armpit in men and women. They look like small, pigmented lesions that may resemble nipples, areolas, or moles. While harmless, supernumerary nipples may be a source of insecurity and can be easily removed. We perform supernumerary nipple removal surgery as an outpatient procedure and use a local anesthetic.
Areola Asymmetry Correction
The majority of women have some breast asymmetry, but it is usually not very noticeable. Sometimes the breasts are symmetrical, but the areolas are not. One areola may be larger, higher, or have an irregular teardrop shape. During areola correction surgery, we can reposition the areola and nipple while reshaping them to achieve a natural, symmetrical appearance. We may perform areola correction surgery as a standalone procedure, or along with a breast lift, breast reduction, or breast augmentation.
Medical Review: This procedural information has been medically reviewed by plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Brian A. Cripe, M.D.
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