Nipple reduction (also known as areola reduction, nipple correction or nipple reshaping) is a plastic surgery procedure carried out to reduce above average sized nipples.

Many women choose to have nipple reduction surgery for cosmetic reasons, but also, in some cases, to help with things like breast feeding.

Below you will find a guide to nipple reduction surgery and all that's involved in the cosmetic procedure...

Part of body affected: This plastic surgery procedure is performed on the breasts, but in particular on the areola, the dark circle of pigmentation surrounding the nipple, or the nipple itself. 

Condition addressed: In both men and women, a nipple reduction procedure addresses areolas (and also nipples) which are either large, puffy, or out of proportion to the rest of the breast. Areolas and nipples can become large with significant weight gain, pregnancy and childbirth or after breast reduction surgery.  

Nature of the benefit: The nipple reduction procedure can result in more attractive areolas or nipples, enhancing the overall appearance of your breasts. 

For whom it is/not suitable: This plastic surgery is suitable for men or women in good health who are unhappy about the appearance of their areolas or nipples.  

Type of procedure: Nipple reduction surgery takes less than one hour under general or local anesthetic. 

Description of the nipple reduction procedure: Your plastic surgeon will make an incision around the perimeter of your areola and remove excess tissue. He will stitch you up using either: permanent stitches in a purse-string/starfish shape to minimise stretching of incisions or external stitches without permanent sutures, which are less suitable for heavy breasts 

For plastic surgery on the nipple itself, your surgeon will either remove the tip of the nipple and close it with stitches or the base of the nipple and stitch your smaller nipple back on and remove a wedge from the inside of your nipple at the base 

Potential risks or side effects: You will have scarring which could be faint or pronounced depending on how well you heal. Your nipples might feel temporarily numb but in some cases this can be permanent. You could also experience these complications:

• Puckering or gathering of the skin
• Wound separation
• symmetry
• Keloid scarring
• Scar stretching
• Negative reaction to the anaesthetic
• Inflammation
• Collection of fluid in the tissue
• Collection of blood within the tissue (haematoma)
• Tissue death Nature and length of recovery process

You might be able to return to work within a day after nipple reduction surgery but you will be unable to drive for at least two.You will experience moderate bruising, swelling and pain, which should disappear within two weeks.It is essential that you wear a support bra constantly for the first six weeks and avoid strenuous activity for around the first three weeks.

Do not lift heavy items, bend over or stretching your arms above your head.Your scars will darken and continue to look unappealing until around three months when they will start to fade. 

Length of benefit: The benefits of a nipple reduction surgery are permanent. However, aging, pregnancy and weight gain can increase the size of your nipples and areola area, while also changing the general appearance of your breasts.

What you can do to extend benefit: Follow your doctor?s post-operative care instructions to ensure optimal healing. Wear supporting bras that fit well and maintain your weight. 

Alternative or related therapies to nipple reduction surgery: There are no surgical alternatives to address large nipples, but you can enhance other aspects of your breast by undergoing nipple reduction surgery at the same time as a breast augmentation, breast uplift or breast reduction.

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