Nipple reduction Surgery

Large nipples - either in circumference or in length - can affect a woman's appearance both nude and in clothing. Sometimes nipples are enlarged simply due to genetics or develop after childbirth and breastfeeding. Reducing a nipple's size can be done right in the doctor's office, as an out-patient. The surgery usually takes less than one hour and the patient can return to their normal activities within a day or two. Healing is fast and scarring (if any) is rarely visible. Sensitivity is usually maintained and the visual results are beautiful.

Procedure: Reducing a nipple's size can be done right in the doctor's office, as an out-patient. Depending on the shape of the nipple this could be a reduction in length, a reduction in width, or both. This is often performed under a local anesthesia.

Length reduction

Nipples that are too long either droop down or project too far out can be shortened. Usually, to create a shorter nipple length, the tip of the nipple will be removed and sutured for closure. Sometimes the skin along the neck of the nipple will be removed. In those circumstances, the tip of the nipple is then sutured to the bottom of the nipple, creating a shorted nipple length.

Width reduction

If the nipple is too wide (or thick), but not too long, a pie-shaped wedge will be removed from the undersurface of the nipple. This allows the nipple to be "taken in" and the circumference reduced. Dissolving sutures are used.

Length and Width reduction

For some people the nipple may be too wide and too long. In those cases, both procedures are performed.

Length of the procedure: less than 1 hour

Recovery: Recovery time will depend on the patient, but most patients can resume their normal activity within a day or two. Patients can shower the day after surgery. Dissolving sutures are used. This treatment does not usually affect the ability to breastfeed. Some women are unable to breastfeed even without surgery.

Risks and complications: Before you decide to have nipple reduction surgery, keep in mind that the results are often permanent and that there is no such thing as a nipple implant to replace a nipple that “once was too long, but now is too short.” This is why it is so important for you to discuss the results of your nipple reduction surgery with your doctor beforehand to make sure that you are aware of the cosmetic anomalies that can occur as a result of the operation.