Whether it’s due to dissatisfaction with the appearance of the nipples, physical discomfort in clothing, or a desire for aesthetic enhancement, the thought of undergoing nipple correction surgery is becoming increasingly common. You’re not alone if this is something you’re contemplating. Many individuals seek to understand more about this procedure every day, looking for ways to align their physical appearance more closely with their personal ideals.
Nipple correction surgery can offer a solution to various concerns, ranging from cosmetic adjustments to functional improvements. If you’re exploring options to address any aspect of your nipple’s appearance that doesn’t sit right with you, understanding more about this procedure can be the first step towards achieving your desired outcome.
1 to 1.5 hours
Local or general
Day case
6 weeks
You should see the final results at 3 months post-procedure, but your scars will continue to improve over the next 12 months.
Who Needs Nipple Correction Surgery?
Nipple correction surgery is tailored to meet the unique needs and concerns of each individual. Understanding whether you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure is a crucial step towards making an informed decision. Generally, candidates for nipple correction are people seeking to address specific aesthetic or functional concerns with their nipples that cannot be resolved through non-surgical means.
Ideal Candidates Include:
- Individuals with Inverted Nipples: This condition, where the nipples are retracted into the breast rather than protruding, can be congenital or result from other factors. It might cause not only aesthetic concerns but also functional issues, such as difficulties in breastfeeding
- Those with Enlarged Nipples: Some people may feel self-conscious about the size of their nipples, particularly if they’re disproportionately large compared to the areola or breast size, leading them to seek correction
- People Experiencing Asymmetry: Asymmetry between the nipples can be a source of discomfort or self-consciousness for some. Correction surgery can help achieve a more balanced appearance
- Individuals After Significant Weight Loss or Post-Pregnancy: Changes in body weight, especially significant weight loss or the effects of pregnancy, can alter the appearance of the nipples, making correction surgery a consideration
- Those Looking for Rejuvenation Post-Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding can lead to changes in nipple size, shape, and position. Individuals looking to restore their pre-pregnancy appearance might consider this surgery
Benefits of the Nipple Correction Procedure
Opting for nipple correction surgery can offer a range of benefits, touching on both aesthetic and functional aspects of one’s life:
- Improved Symmetry and Proportion: One of the primary aesthetic benefits is the ability to achieve a more symmetrical look between both nipples and a proportionate size relative to the breasts and areolas. This can enhance the overall appearance and balance of the breast area.
- Correction of Inverted Nipples: For those with inverted nipples, the procedure can create a more conventional outward appearance, enhancing the aesthetic look and feel of the nipples
- Ease in Breastfeeding: Correcting inverted nipples can, in some cases, make breastfeeding easier and more feasible. This is a significant functional benefit for individuals planning to have children or facing difficulties in nursing
- Reduced Discomfort: Oversized or protruding nipples can sometimes cause physical discomfort, especially under tight clothing or during physical activities. Nipple correction can alleviate such discomfort, improving daily comfort
- Increased Comfort in One’s Skin: Many individuals find that correcting a long-standing concern with their nipples boosts their overall satisfaction with their body image. This can lead to greater comfort and confidence in various social and intimate situations
- Freedom in Fashion Choices: With concerns about nipple appearance addressed, you may find a broader range of clothing styles becomes more comfortable and appealing, allowing for more freedom in personal expression through fashion
- Quick Recovery: Compared to more invasive cosmetic surgeries, nipple correction often involves a relatively quick recovery period, allowing for a swift return to daily activities
- Long-Term Satisfaction: The results of nipple correction are generally long-lasting, providing enduring satisfaction with the appearance of the nipples
- Tailored to Individual Needs: The procedure is highly customisable, meaning it can be tailored to address your specific concerns and goals, ensuring results that are personally satisfying
Types of Nipple Correction Procedures
Correction of Inverted Nipples
Procedure Overview: This technique focuses on correcting nipples that are inverted or retracted. The surgery typically involves small incisions to release fibrous bands causing the inversion, sometimes combined with the placement of sutures to maintain the nipple in an outward position
Ideal for: Individuals with grade 1 to grade 3 inverted nipples looking for a permanent solution to achieve protruding nipples
Nipple Reduction
Procedure Overview: For those concerned about oversized nipples, this procedure reduces the height and/or diameter of the nipple to achieve a more proportionate appearance relative to the areola and breast size. The excess nipple tissue is carefully removed, and the area is reshaped
Ideal for: People with disproportionately large nipples that may cause aesthetic concerns or physical discomfort
Areola Reduction
Procedure Overview: Though not solely focused on the nipple, areola reduction is often considered part of nipple correction. This surgery reduces the diameter of the areola to create a more balanced look with the rest of the breast. It’s particularly sought after post-pregnancy or significant weight loss
Ideal for: Individuals with enlarged areolas seeking a more proportionate breast appearance
Nipple Lift
Procedure Overview: A nipple lift, or mastopexy, can be performed to elevate the position of the nipples and areolas on the breasts. It’s often part of a broader breast lift procedure but can be done standalone for minor adjustments
Ideal for: Those experiencing a downward shift in nipple position due to ageing, weight fluctuations, or breastfeeding, seeking a more youthful breast profile
How is the Nipple Correction Procedure Performed
Nipple correction surgery, while varied in its approaches depending on the specific type of correction required, generally follows a similar procedural structure designed to ensure safety, comfort, and effectiveness. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what you might expect during the procedure, keeping in mind that each surgery is customised to the individual’s needs:
Pre-operative Assessment
- Consultation and Planning: Prior to surgery, you’ll have a detailed consultation with Anthony to discuss your goals, evaluate your nipples and breasts, and decide on the best approach. This may include photographs and detailed measurements
- Preparation Instructions: You’ll receive guidance on how to prepare for surgery, including dietary restrictions, medications to avoid, and what to bring on the day of the procedure
The Day of Surgery
- Anaesthesia: Most nipple correction procedures are performed under local anaesthesia, possibly with sedation. This means you’ll be awake but will not feel any pain in the area being operated on
- The Procedure: Depending on the type of correction, Anthony will make precise incisions, either around the nipple or on the areola. For inverted nipple correction, fibrous bands are released, and sutures may be placed to maintain the nipple’s protrusion. In reduction procedures, excess tissue is removed, and the nipple is reshaped accordingly
- Closure: Incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures. In many cases, the scars are discreet, located at the base of the nipple or within the areola’s border, minimising visible scarring
- Duration: The procedure usually takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity and whether both nipples are being corrected
Post-operative Care
- Immediate Aftercare: You will be monitored for a short time after the procedure before being allowed to go home. Instructions on caring for the surgical site, medications for pain and infection prevention, and follow-up appointments will be provided
- Recovery Period: Recovery varies but generally involves minimal downtime. Most individuals can return to work and light activities within a few days, with full recovery and resumption of strenuous activities after a few weeks
Nipple correction surgery includes various techniques, each designed to address specific concerns.
Recovery after Nipple Correction Procedure
Recovery from nipple correction surgery is a phase where proper care and precautions can significantly impact the final outcome and your comfort during the healing process. Here’s what you can expect during the recovery period, along with some tips to help ensure a smooth and efficient healing journey:
Immediate Post-Operative Period
- Day of Surgery: After the procedure, you’ll likely experience some soreness and swelling around the treated area. It’s normal and part of the healing process. You’ll be able to go home the same day, but you should arrange for someone to drive you
- First Week: During the first week, it’s important to rest and allow your body to heal. You’ll be advised to wear a supportive garment if recommended by Anthony and to avoid any strenuous activities that could strain the chest area
Managing Discomfort
- Pain Management: Any discomfort can usually be managed with prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter pain relievers, as recommended by Anthony
- Swelling and Bruising: Applying cold compresses and keeping the upper body elevated can help reduce swelling and bruising
Activity and Lifestyle Adjustments
- Gradual Resumption of Activities: You can return to work and light activities within a few days to a week, but you should avoid exercise and heavy lifting for a specified period, usually a few weeks, as advised by Anthony
- Long-term Care: Protecting the surgery area from direct sunlight and following Anthony’s advice on scar care will be crucial for optimal healing and aesthetic results
How Much Is Nipple Correction Surgery in the UK?
The cost of Nipple Correction surgery in the UK can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s experience, the facility where the surgery is performed, and any additional services or procedures required. On average, Nipple Correction surgery in the UK may range from £900 to £4,000.
To obtain an accurate price quote for Nipple Correction surgery tailored to your needs, it’s recommended to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your medical history, discuss your goals and expectations, and provide you with a personalized treatment plan, including a detailed cost breakdown.
FAQs
Find out more about your surgical journey
Will I need to stay in hospital after surgery?
Inverted nipple correction is usually carried out as an outpatient procedure. This means patients rarely need to stay in hospital overnight. Anthony will be able to advise you of whether you will be required to stay overnight for any reason. However, you will likely be able to leave the same day as the procedure.
What does surgery involve?
Inverted nipple correction surgery is an effective way to treat the condition. There are a number of techniques which can be used depending upon the severity of the inversion. The PITANGUY method is most commonly used, resulting in minimal scarring and retained sensation within the nipples. The centre of the nipple and the areola will be cut, allowing Anthony access to the fibres underneath. These fibres are released to prevent them from pulling the nipples downwards before the incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches. Three lines of stitches are used, with one forming the shape of a cross inside the areola, one inside the nipple and then a final line within the skin. The method used may differ depending upon the grade of inverted nipples being treated. Anthony will talk you through the surgery during your consultation.
How should I prepare for surgery?
All patients should be generally healthy at the time of surgery. If you are a smoker, you will need to quit at least two weeks before the surgery.
Are there alternative treatments?
Suction devices are available to treat inverted nipples. However, these aren’t always effective, and results tend to be minimal. Inverted nipple correction surgery is the best way to treat the condition, offering long-lasting results.
Will I be able to breastfeed after the procedure?
One of the main concerns women have before undergoing inverted nipple correction surgery is whether they will be able to breastfeed in the future. Although it is rare, there is the possibility you won’t be able to breastfeed after the procedure. As a result, you may want to delay surgery until after you’ve had children – although it’s also worth bearing in mind that women with very pronounced inverted nipples often find it challenging to breastfeed.
What are the risks of nipple correction procedure?
Like any surgical procedure, nipple correction surgery comes with potential risks and complications such as:
- Infection: Infection at the incision site is a risk with any surgery. Signs include redness, swelling, warmth, and unusual discharge. Antibiotics may be prescribed as a preventative measure or to treat an infection should it occur
- Scarring: While incisions are small and strategically placed to minimise visibility, there is always a risk of visible scarring. The extent varies by individual healing characteristics. Following post-operative care instructions and using scar treatment creams or silicone sheets as recommended can help minimise scarring
- Changes in Sensation: You may experience temporary or permanent changes in nipple sensation. This can range from increased sensitivity to numbness
- Asymmetry: Despite the goal of achieving symmetry, there is a risk that the nipples may not be perfectly symmetrical in size, shape, or position post-surgery
- Difficulty Breastfeeding: Depending on the type of correction performed, there may be an impact on breastfeeding capability, particularly with procedures that involve ducts or significant tissue removal
- Reaction to Anaesthesia: Although rare, there’s a risk of adverse reactions to local anaesthesia or sedation used during the procedure
- Unsatisfactory Results: There’s always a possibility that the outcome may not meet your expectations in terms of appearance or function
Medical References about Nipple Correction
- Surgical Correction of Inverted Nipples – PMC – NCBI
- Inverted Nipple – StatPearls – NCBI
- Aesthetic and Predictable Correction of the Inverted Nipple – Oxford Academic
- The “Niplette”: an instrument for the non-surgical correction – Science Direct
- Integrated Approach to the Repair of Inverted Nipples – Oxford Academic
