Breast Surgery

Nipple Reduction

at Cadogan Clinic, London’s Leading Cosmetic Surgery Specialists. 

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Award Winning Specialist Clinic

We've won 12 top industry awards since 2010 and regularly feature in the national and international press.

Industry Leading Consultants

We've invited only the very best consultants in the country to practice with us.

Care Quality Commission

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GMC Registered Surgeons

All of our surgeons are registered with the General Medical Council.

Medically Reviewed 15 February 2024, by Mr. Bryan Mayou (GMC: 1414396) - founder of the Cadogan Clinic and one of the world's leading plastic surgeons

What is Nipple Reduction?

Nipple Reduction, also known as Nipple Correction surgery, is a procedure which reduces the size and improves the shape of one or both of your nipples or areola. The most common concerns patients have are ‘puffy nipple’ and ‘inverted nipple’.

Nipple Reduction can reduce the height and width of the nipple, reshape and improve asymmetry in the nipple itself as well as the surrounding areola. Sensation will be preserved and the result is a flattering nipple, which is more proportionate to your breasts or chest. This surgery is available to both male and female patients.

This procedure can be completed under local anaesthesia, as a single procedure, or in combination with other surgeries under general anaesthesia. It is most often paired with Breast Reduction, Breast Lift, Breast Augmentation or Mummy Makeovers. As an established and highly regarded surgical clinic, we are one of the premier providers of nipple and areola reduction London. 

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Nipple Reduction
At a glance

Surgery Time

45 minutes – 1 hour

Time off work

a few days (if needed)

Hospital Stay

1 to 2 hours

Shower

Shower after 1 day

Reasonable Mobility

Immediately

Exercise

2 - 4 weeks

Sexual Activity

Restricted activity after a few days

Sleeping on back

Sleeping on back recommended for 1 week

Full Recovery

1 week

Driving

A few days


Before and after
Nipple Reduction

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Why do people have it?

Many people are self-conscious about their nipples, feeling they are out of balance to the size and shape of their chest. This can either be because they feel they are too prominent or ‘pointy’, showing through clothing and other garments, or because the areola are too enlarged or uneven in size. This can make intimacy and confidence in your body, whether man or woman, difficult if you do not feel your nipples or areolas are in proportion to the rest of your chest. In some cases, patients may also experience inverted nipples, where the nipple turns and tucks back in on itself. The retracted nipple itself is not harmful, though cosmetically it can cause some distress. For this, we also offer inverted nipple surgery to aid in our patients' comfort and confidence in their body.

Therefore, having their nipples reduced and enhanced improves emotional wellbeing and confidence, with results that can be seen in the before and after nipple reduction patient cases.

Who is suitable?

At Cadogan Clinic, our specialist consultant surgeons will assess whether you are suitable for London nipple reduction surgery in a bespoke one to one consultation. 

At your consultation, your surgeon will examine your nipples and assess whether you would benefit from this procedure.

They will discuss your expectations of Nipple Reduction surgery and ensure you understand the results that are possible for you depending on your concerns. They will also assess your general physical and mental health to make sure you are suitable for a local or general anaesthetic procedure, depending what is most suitable and if you combine this procedure with other surgeries. This may include your weight, and any medical and mental conditions you have. You must be over 18 to have this procedure.


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The cost of Nipple Reduction

Cadogan Clinic has collaborated with Chrysalis Finance to offer a variety of payment choices for our patients including:
12 months 0% Interest-free - APR
24 - 60 months at 12.9% APR
Flexible Finance

Get in touch now to get a price for areola reduction surgery, finance options also available.

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Included in this treatment

Up to two 60 minute consultations with a leading specialist plastic surgeon at our award-winning premises in Chelsea

Your procedure carried out at London’s leading specialist cosmetic surgery centre of excellence

24/7 on call nurse assistance

Dedicated Patient Co-ordinator, as a personal point of contact through your journey with Cadogan

A pre-operative medical assessment to ensure you are fit for surgery

Comprehensive post-operative aftercare courtesy of our specialist cosmetic nurses


Benefits of Nipple Reduction for Men and Women

One in ten women in the UK suffer from nipple-related conditions and abnormalities, often experiencing their nipples protruding through clothing or underwear that can cause self-consciousness in day to day life. This can result in a condition known as Jogger’s Nipple where pain and irritation can occur. Weight change, pregnancy and breast feeding can also affect nipple shape and size, leaving the areola area appearing stretched or misshapen.

Many men suffer from a condition referred to as 'Puffy Nipple' (a part of the condition Gynecomastia or enlarged male breasts) which is caused by an excess of breast tissue or enlarged glands under the nipple/areola, pushing the nipple outwards into a cone shape. Up to 60% of men will suffer from Gynaecomastia in their lifetime.

All concerns relating to nipples can result in self-consciousness, especially when wearing close fitting clothing, swimwear, or intimacy with partners. Nipple Reduction will improve confidence for men and women, and will ensure patients feel more comfortable in social and physical environments.


Nipple Reduction Surgeons

We have invited a selection of the country's very best consultants to join us at the Cadogan Clinic so that you can be sure that whatever the nature of your treatment, you will be seeing one of the top practitioners in the country.


What to expect

Below you will find some key information to help you prepare for surgery and make necessary arrangements to ensure you have the support you need and that everything runs smoothly on the day.

You will meet your surgeon for up to two consultations at our award-winning Chelsea based clinic to discuss Nipple Reduction London surgeries and the results you are looking for. Consultations are usually between 30-60 minutes and your surgeon will explain the best approach for you and your chest, what kind of results you could expect, and whether the procedure you’ve selected is right for you.

We recommend writing down any questions or concerns you have about your nipples before the procedure, including questions about sensation, breast feeding, and returning to sport. This will ensure you feel fully prepared and are able to get the best understanding from your consultation.

Your surgeon will also conduct a general health and wellness check to make sure you are fit and well for Nipple Reduction surgery, before taking measurements and taking photos for your medical records.

Your surgeon will send your intended plan through to your surgical patient advisor. If the surgeon has decided you are suitable for surgery, your advisor will explain the plan, pricing and offer available dates to you, before giving you a two week cooling off period to allow you to consider whether you wish to proceed with your surgery.

If you decide to go ahead with Nipple Reduction, you will next visit the clinic on your procedure day. In the run up to your surgery, you will be asked to prepare in the following way:

 

  • You will need to complete your pre-operative paperwork to allow your surgical team (surgeon, anaesthetist and nurses) to review all of your medical and psychological information and advise on any changes you need to make in the run up to your surgery.
  • If you smoke or vape, your surgeon will ask you to stop for six weeks before surgery can take place. This is vital to ensure your recovery is smooth and you heal fully and properly.
  • You will also be asked to cut down on drinking alcohol as excessive alcohol consumption can also impact the healing and recovery process.
  • In the week before your procedure, avoid taking any anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin, and any herbal supplements as these can increase the risk of bleeding
  • You will need to organise a chaperone to come and collect you after the surgery and have them stay with you for the first night. This should be a family member, significant other, or trusted friend who can either drive you or accompany you in a taxi.
  • You mustn’t eat any solid or consume any liquids in the 6 hours before you arrive at the clinic. For up to 2 hours before you arrive at the clinic, you can have sips of clear liquids which can include water, black tea, or coffee. After which, you must not consume anything until post-procedure.

Please arrive an hour before your surgery time on the day of your procedure to allow for any preparation you and your team may need. This will allow you to speak with your surgeon, anaesthetist and the nurses to ask any final questions, and to be prepared for surgery with any marking the surgeon may need to do.

You will then be taken into theatre. If your procedure is being completed under general anaesthetic, your anaesthetist will administer this. All general anaesthesia procedures at Cadogan Clinic are done using Total Intravenous Anaesthesia (TIVA) which minimises post-operative sickness and nausea. If you are having your procedure under local anaesthetic, this will be administered by your surgeon. 

Your surgeon will then begin your nipple reduction. After the procedure is finished, you will be taken to our recovery ward, where you will wake up from the anaesthetic and a nurse will check your vital health signs. If your surgery was performed under local anaesthesia, you will still be invited to rest and be monitored by our team. Once you are awake and comfortable, you will have something to eat and drink and a nurse will talk you through any medication, including pain management, you need to take when you return home. When you are ready, your chaperone will then take you home to continue your recovery.

You may experience some pain and discomfort in the first few days following your procedure, though this is normal. Your surgical team will have prescribed any medications and dosage instructions to help alleviate this. You will be able to move around as you usually would within a day and able to bathe normally in three days.

One week after your surgery you will have an in-person appointment with our nurses so they can assess your incisions, your initial recovery and results, and remove any sutures your surgeon has used. They will provide any advice you need on dressings and will be able to answer any questions you may have about your recovery.

Six weeks after your procedure you will meet with your surgeon so they can check your recovery, discuss your results and answer any questions about your ongoing recovery from that point. After six weeks, if you have any questions or concerns, you will still be able to contact the team and speak with one of our specialist nurses.

The Patient Journey. A breakdown of what you can expect on your journey with us

We are deeply invested in ensuring that every step of your surgical journey with us is as informative and reassuring to you as it can be. This article outlines what you can expect at each stage of the journey

The Patient Journey

Frequently Asked Questions

There are three main nipple and areola conditions treated by nipple surgery

  • Nipple Reduction reduces the height and width of the nipple whilst preserving sensation. It is very effective at relieving embarrassment associated with protruding nipples that show under tight clothing or in swimwear. It can be carried out under local anaesthetic ensuring recovery is easy and quick.
  • Areola Reduction is a simple procedure removing the excess darker area of skin from around the nipple. A small, concealed scar may remain around the base of the nipple in small reductions. Larger reductions may result in a scar around the outside edge of the areola – both techniques can be carried out under local anaesthesia.
  • Nipple Inversion is the nipple lying inwards towards the body, rather than protruding outwards. This condition can occur from birth or develop later on in life. This corrective procedure is usually carried out under a local anaesthetic, unless it is combined with other procedures


Each of these surgical procedures is straightforward and can either be carried out on their own under a local anaesthetic or as part of a more complex breast procedure.

Areola reduction surgery refers to any nipple reduction surgery that specifically relates to the changing of the size or shape of the areola region around the nipple.

The dark skin area around your nipples is called the areola. If you feel this area is too large you may be a candidate for areola reduction surgery.

Areola reduction surgery is performed by removing a circular area of the outer brown area of the areola to reduce it in size.

Areola reduction is usually performed under local anaesthetic and takes about one hour. In some rare cases, general anaesthetic may be used.

Nipple size or appearance can often change through weight gain, weight loss or pregnancy but can also be caused by hormonal imbalances and genetics. Conditions such as gynaecomastia can also cause nipples to appear oversized in proportion to the rest of the chest.

During your consultation, you can expect your surgeon to examine your breasts, go over your surgical options and ask you for a complete medical history and current list of medications. Your surgeon will listen to your aesthetic concerns and explain the procedure to you. They will give you an idea of what your areolas and nipples will look like after the surgery.

Your experienced Cadogan Clinic surgeon will give you pre-operative advice at your initial consultation and this may include stopping smoking and taking certain medications such as aspirin which will delay your healing.

Many of these procedures can be easily accomplished under local anaesthesia. For the larger procedures or for preference you may decide to have our gentle form of anaesthesia, TIVA (Total Intravenous anaesthesia) in this case, you'll be asked to arrange a ride to and from the procedure, as you'll be unable to drive after surgery.

You will need to fast for 4 hours, although sips of water are permissible for up to 2 hours before surgery. It's also best to come to surgery without any make-up or cosmetics, without wearing any jewellery and in comfortable, loose fitting clothes.

During your consultation, you can expect your surgeon to examine your breasts, go over your surgical options and ask you for a complete medical history and current list of medications. Your surgeon will listen to your aesthetic concerns and explain the procedure to you. They will give you an idea of what your areolas and nipples will look like after the surgery.

Your experienced Cadogan Clinic surgeon will give you pre-operative advice at your initial consultation and this may include stopping smoking and taking certain medications such as aspirin which will delay your healing.

Many of these procedures can be easily accomplished under local anaesthesia. For the larger procedures or for preference you may decide to have our gentle form of anaesthesia, TIVA (Total Intravenous anaesthesia) in this case, you'll be asked to arrange a ride to and from the procedure, as you'll be unable to drive after surgery.

You will need to fast for 4 hours, although sips of water are permissible for up to 2 hours before surgery. It's also best to come to surgery without any make-up or cosmetics, without wearing any jewellery and in comfortable, loose fitting clothes.

You will start to see an immediate, visible improvement as soon as the stitches are removed in the days after surgery.

You will be able to see your final results and the shape of the nipple and areola within 2-3 months of the procedure, once the areola has settled into its new form and the scar has settled.

Yes your results will be permanent.

This procedure is not particularly painful, and the pain can be managed with over the counter painkillers, such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medicine.

You will need a protective dressing for at least a week following surgery. This can be disguised with loose clothing. There may also be stitches to remove after 7-10 days.

Exercise including brisk walking should be avoided. However, you are not in significant pain and capable of working from home the next day.

Normal work depends on travelling issues and how physical it is. You may need to take one week off work following an areola or nipple reduction/correction surgery, perhaps longer if your job requires anything very physical.

Strenuous activities, heavy lifting and intense exercise should be avoided for around 6 weeks following your surgery.

You should be back to your regular routine and exercise after 4+ weeks of surgery.

Recovery from Nipple Reduction surgery is quick with very little disruption to your normal routine.

You may experience some bruising and swelling in the area operated on, however, this will usually fade in a couple of days.
Our surgeons use very fine stitches that will dissolve and fall out naturally over the course of a week or so. This procedure is not particularly painful, and the pain can be managed with over the counter painkillers, such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medicine.

During the healing and recovery process, you should be able to return to your normal daily activities just a few days following your surgery, depending on your tolerance of the swelling. We recommend avoiding any strenuous activities, or heavy lifting, for at least 4 weeks following the surgery. Wearing a good support bra for the weeks following the surgery is also recommended for women.

Scarring post-surgery will be minimal and virtually undetectable as they can be well hidden on the underside of the nipple where it meets the areola.

When the nipple is a different colour than the skin surrounding it, often the scar will blend in and appear more natural.

Our highly skilled surgeons will focus on retaining the connections between the breast tissue and the skin, to preserve the ability to breastfeed

Whilst we are unable to guarantee that you will be able to breastfeed after surgery, it is certainly an aim of your surgeon at the outset.

If you have recently had a baby and are currently breastfeeding, your surgeon may require you to wait for 3 to 6 months before you have a nipple reduction. This is so that your breasts and nipples can settle before the procedure.

Currently, there are no options other than surgery to reduce the size of the nipple or areola, or change nipple or areola shape.

A protruding nipple can be fixed by trimming the skin and bulk of the nipple to shrink its overall size. It is similar to other procedures that remove excess tissue from the body, but in this case, the procedure is on a much smaller scale and scars insignificant.

Around one in ten women in the UK suffer from nipple-related conditions where the nipples may be irregular or enlarged causing them to protrude through clothing. Protrusion can be a source of embarrassment as well as pain and irritation known as 'jogger's nipple'.

Protruding nipples can be an issue for men too. Underlying breast tissue may, in addition, push the nipples outward and require reduction. This condition is called Gynaecomastia.

Nipple correction is about ridding the patient of their social anxiety or embarrassment and physical pain from their condition.
Protruding nipple correction at our Clinic can reduce the height and width of the nipple while still preserving sensation. Nipple correction can easily be combined with other procedures, so you only have to go through the process of surgery once.

If you find your self-image and your confidence comprised by protruding nipples, the solution may be easier than you thought. The procedure is relatively simple and straightforward. It can be carried out under local anaesthesia or in combination with other procedures (under general anaesthesia).

Recovery from protruding nipple surgery is quick with very little disruption to your normal routine. Nipple correction surgery is an outpatient procedure. Since there is no long rest period following the procedure you will be back in the swing of things with newfound confidence in no time.

Puffy nipple is a nipple or areola that forms a puffy nipple mound away from the normal curve of the chest. Puffy nipple can occur in both men and women, but is more common among women. Puffy nipple is also common among teenagers experiencing puberty, as this is a key time of breast development.

Puffy nipple is easily fixed by nipple reduction surgery.

‘Puffy nipple’ can be caused by genetics and hormonal changes, as well as array of external factors including diet, medications or steroid use.

Many symptoms of ‘puffy nipple’ can be reversed by diet and exercise, or stopping the use of certain medications. In many cases, however, the symptoms of ‘puffy nipple’ can only be resolved via puffy nipple reduction surgery.

Inverted nipple is a nipple or areola that forms an inverted nipple mound that points inward or flat from the normal curve of the chest. Inverted nipple can occur in one breast or both. Inverted nipple can occur in both men and women.

Inverted nipple can be classified in three grades:

  • Grade 1: the inverted nipple can easily be pulled outwards, and reacts to stimulation
  • Grade 2: the inverted nipple can be pulled outward but reverts quickly original shape
  • Grade 3: the inverted nipple cannot be pulled outward at all

Inverted nipple reduction surgery is typically necessary in instances of Grade 2 and Grade 3.

‘Inverted nipple’ can be caused by genetics, as well as an array of external factors including age, breast feeding, or injury.

By far the most effective treatment for ‘inverted nipple’ is inverted nipple reduction surgery. Inverted nipple surgery takes less than an hour and takes place under local anaesthetic.

A nipple reduction procedure will solely address problems with the size and shape of the nipple itself, or the surrounding areola (in the case of an areola reduction or correction).

Wider concerns relating to the size and shape of the breast region will need to be addressed via other surgeries. These can be easily be combined with nipple reduction into one larger operation.


Words from Our Founder

Mr. Bryan Mayou

Nipple Reduction is a game changing cosmetic procedure that has increased in popularity in the last few decades. This subtle tweak, often carried out under local anaesthesia, has a massive impact on the appearance of the breasts. It also hugely boosts the confidence of the men and women who visit us for this treatment. Less than hour's worth of plastic surgery can result in a major confidence boost, with patients often reporting a new found confidence in their clothing and swimwear in particular.
Mr. Bryan Mayou

A state of the art, award winning clinic.

Founded in 2004 by world renowned plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, we now work with over 100 leading consultants and successfully treat over 20,000 patients each year. We have been winning industry awards since inception.

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Best in Class Facilities

All of our treatments take place at our beautiful boutique premises in Chelsea. We have six consulting rooms and five operating rooms, as well as a dedicated pre and post-operative suite, and a full team of specialist nursing staff.

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We were founded in 2004 by world renown plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, best known for his pioneering work in the area of liposuction, lasers and microvascular surgery. We continue to collaborate with pioneers in our field.

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What are the risks?

Before undergoing nipple reduction, or any cosmetic surgery, it is vital to be aware of the potential risks and complications that may arise. Although Nipple Reduction can produce transformational results, there are risks that you need to consider and discuss with your surgeon.

  • Hematoma - This is the build up of blood beneath the skin around the nipple and will require treatment from your surgeon
  • Poor wound healing - Healing complications or infection can affect the incision sites around the areola
  • Asymmetry - Occasionally, one nipple may appear a slightly different shape or size
  • Seroma - This is the formation of a lump under the skin caused by buildup of fluid around the incision sites. This will require treatment from your surgeon.

In the event of an unforeseen complication or less than optimal outcome, a revision surgery may be required. The need for a revision surgery can arise due to factors beyond the surgeon’s control. Our skilled consultant surgeons are qualified professionals who have performed BBL numerous times.

 

It is also important to acknowledge that any surgical procedure carries a slight risk of:

  • Excessive bleeding 
  • Allergic reaction to general anaesthetic
  • Infection at the surgical site
  • Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in a vein)

Your surgeon will assess your personal risk for all of these factors alongside your general health and suitability for surgery. They will also explain how these risks would be addressed and treated in the event they occur. They may also make suggestions for lifestyle changes you should make during your surgery preparation to reduce these risks.




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2023

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Highly Commended Best Clinic in London

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2021

Aesthetics Awards

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2021

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2020

My Face My Body

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2019

My Face My Body

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2018

My Face My Body

Highly Commended

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2018

Aesthetics Awards

Highly Commended

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2017

Aesthetics Awards

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