Category: Nipple Reduction

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Oversized or large nipples are due to a rare condition that can lead to significant distress and confidence issues for both women and men. 

Large areolas — on the other hand — are more common, and while some women are unconcerned or even happy with them, other women prefer a smaller, more proportionate nipple-areola complex (NAC). 

When Should I Consider Surgical Treatment for Large Nipples or Areolas?

If your prominent nipples or areolas don’t cause you any problems, there’s no reason to undergo the procedure. However, if you are planning to have another breast enhancement surgery and have been thinking about addressing this issue, there couldn’t be a better time. 

Conversely, if you have serious concerns about your large areolas or nipples and are considering surgery to reduce them, you should also think about your ideal breast size, shape, and position before scheduling your consultation. 

Be sure to schedule your consultation with a reputable, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr Wald and ask about all your options.

Breast Surgeries You Can Combine With Nipple or Areola Reduction

The two conditions can occur together or independently of each other, and correction involves one or two simple techniques that can easily be combined with the following:

• Breast augmentation surgery
• Breast reduction surgery
• Breast lift

You can also add tummy tuck surgery or a liposuction procedure for a complete Mommy Makeover!

What Is Involved in Surgery to Reduce the Size of Large Areolas and Nipples?

Areola reduction is usually performed under local anesthesia, but when combined with another breast surgery, chances are you will require general anesthesia. 

The doctor will make the incision around the areola and remove any excess tissue contributing to its large size or puffiness. The incision is then closed with permanent sutures with a scar minimizing technique, and gauze dressings are applied.

Nipple reduction involves excising a circular band of tissue at the base of the nipple, then suturing the remaining nipple to its new, shorter base.

What to Expect From Nipple or Areola Reduction Recovery?

Immediately after areola or nipple reduction surgery, you should expect some swelling, bruising, numbness, and tingling; however, this should subside significantly after the first week and entirely soon after. 

You will be instructed to wear a surgical or compression bra after your procedure to maintain your nipple’s new position for better results. 

While you may be able to resume your regular routine in about one week, patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity or exercise for at least three weeks following surgery.

Why Should I Combine Nipple or Areola Reduction With Breast Surgery?

If the oversized appearance is the only thing that displeases you about the look of your breasts, then there is no reason to combine or undergo another breast surgery. However, that is not the case for many women. 

Most women have something that they don’t like about their breasts. Maybe they are too small. Alternatively, they are too large and cumbersome. Maybe pregnancy and breastfeeding has left them hanging a bit south. Or, maybe they are asymmetrical. There is no shortage of reasons why women can become displeased with their breast appearance. 

If this is the case for you, why not take this opportunity to adjust the shape, size, or position of your breasts. 

Combining your breast procedures saves money and time while experiencing only one recovery period rather than two. 

Orange County’s Cosmetic Breast Surgeon

Dr. Robert Wald is a well-respected, board-certified plastic surgeon with the skill and experience you can rely on for the best possible results. He offers breast enhancement surgery, including nipple and areola reduction, in Fullerton and serves all of Orange County.

If you are ready for cosmetic breast surgery, call our Fullerton, California, office at (714) 312-3549 today or scroll down to schedule a consultation online.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 8th, 2022 at 8:00 am and is filed under Breast Enhancement, Nipple Reduction. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Some women are self-conscious about the projection of their nipples or the large size of their areolas. While these features are often genetic, they can also result from pregnancy, fluctuating weight, or aging. Many of Dr. Wald’s patients choose to have nipple or areola reduction in conjunction with another breast procedure, such as a breast lift, to get the final breast result they desire.

To what extent can my areolas be reduced?

In some cases where the areola (the pigmented skin around the nipple) needs to be reduced significantly, a full breast lift is required with an areola reduction. A breast lift requires a “lollipop” incision, which will follow the line of pigmentation around the areola and extend down the center of the breast from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease.

Another option for areola reduction is a donut incision around the areola, also called “circumareolar mastopexy.” This procedure only removes the excess skin of the areola, which can be an advantage for some depending on how much excess areola skin and breast skin is present. The main advantages of this technique over a full breast lift are less scarring and less interference with breast tissue; however, there is a greater likelihood of the areola stretching out again. “Skin bunching” is another risk with this option since the skin around the areola gets thicker the farther away it is from the areola. When a large areola is reduced and no surrounding breast skin is removed along with it, a bunched appearance can result along the incision. Removing too much of a large areola can also result in tension along the incision line that may lead to other problems. During your consultation, Dr. Wald will evaluate your breasts to determine the maximum amount of skin that can be removed. He can perform this technique using only local anesthesia unless you require additional procedures.

What is involved with reducing nipple projection?

A nipple reduction can reduce the height and width of the nipple. This procedure is also done under local anesthesia unless combined with other procedures. The “sleeve” technique will leave the core of the nipple intact, which will preserve sensation and avoid interfering with milk ducts. Sensation loss is still a risk with the procedure, but it is far less likely to occur at the hands of a board-certified and experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Robert Wald.

If you would like to learn more about nipple or areola reduction, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert Wald. Dr. Wald is board certified in plastic surgery and has years of experience performing breast surgery, including nipple reduction. He will help you to weigh the risks and benefits of the procedure according to your physical anatomy and the results you desire. Please call (714) 312-3549 to schedule your appointment, or fill out our online contact form for more information.

This entry was posted on Friday, November 13th, 2015 at 1:49 pm and is filed under Nipple Reduction.