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Nipple and Areola Reduction operations are simple procedure that effectively reduces the size and changes the shape of one or both of your nipples. This surgery can be performed on its own under local anaesthesia. However, it is often performed alongside other surgeries such as breast reduction, breast lift, breast augmentation or mummy makeovers.
Nipple Reduction - Women:
Statistics show that one in ten women in the UK suffer from nipple-related conditions and abnormalities where the nipples are irregular or enlarged, often protruding through clothing. This may lead to pain and irritation and is commonly known as 'Jogger's Nipple'. Nipple size and appearance can also be affected through weight-loss or weight gain.
Many women choose to have this surgery after changes to the breast and nipple during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Pregnancy causes changes in the breasts, and often times will stretch out the areola, creating a larger nipple than before. Breastfeeding can also cause undesirable changes to the nipple, both issues which can be fixed with a Nipple Reduction surgery.
Areolas, the darker skin surrounding the nipple, are often too large or do not match, either since puberty, or as the result of previous surgery.
Nipple Reduction - Men:
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 breast glands under the nipple/areola, pushing the nipple outwards into a cone shape. This can create a level of self-consciousness, especially when wearing t-shirts, when swimming or when doing activities that require a bare chest etc.
Statistics show that up to 60% of men worldwide, and between 30%-60% of male adolescents, will suffer from Gynecomastia at some point in their lifetime. It's most common for teens between age 13-17 and for males over 60 years old. Changes in weight can also affect the nipple. Many men choose to have this surgery in order to feel more confident in their physical appearance, and it can have a psychological boost as well.
Areola or Nipple Reduction is an excellent choice for any man or woman who is unhappy with the shape or size of their nipple. Many people also choose to have the surgery in order to have more symmetrical areolas in cases where one nipple is larger than the other.
Nipple Reduction can reduce the height and width of the nipple, reshaping it into a desirable form, while preserving sensation. It can be carried out on its own under local anaesthesia or in combination with other procedures under general anaesthesia. During your initial consultation with our skilled surgeons, you will be able to communicate your aesthetic concerns and go over the different surgical options available to you.
Your surgeon will explain the procedure to you and show you where to expect scarring. We offer an exceptional Scar Management Programme, our approach being to manage scars before they become a problem, so you can enjoy your results without the worry of major scarring in the future. 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 also focus on retaining the connections between the breast tissue and the skin, to preserve the ability to breastfeed.
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 stiches 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 2 weeks following the surgery. Wearing a good support bra for the weeks following the surgery is also recommended.
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.
Whatever your requirements, the Cadogan Clinic can provide the leading experts and techniques for your treatment at our state-of-the-art facility in order to achieve your desired aesthetic and a better proportioned nipple.
Areola reduction – This is a swift and straightforward procedure that removes the excess brown area from around the nipple. Small reductions leave an inconspicuous scar around the base of the nipple. Larger reductions can leave a scar around the outside edge of the areola – both techniques can be carried out under local anaesthesia.
Nipple inversion - The nipple itself lies flat or inverts inwards towards the body rather than protruding in the normal way. This condition can occur from birth but in some cases, can develop later on in life. This is typically another swift and straightforward procedure that can be carried out under a local anaesthetic although different grades of inverted nipples require different complexities of surgery.
Nipple Reduction is carried out to reduce the height and width of the nipple whilst preserving its sensation a can be very effective at relieving embarrassment associated with this condition. It can be carried out under local anaesthetic as treatment as well as recovery is quick and straightforward.
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 - Areola reduction is a quick and simple procedure that can be performed on both men and women. It involves removing the excess brown or pink area surrounding the nipple which usually has a diameter of between 4-5cm. Areola reduction usually begins with your surgeon removing a circular segment of the outer brown area of the areola. The skin surrounding this is then brought inwards in a purse string fashion to surround the areola.
Inverted Nipple Correction is usually carried out under local anaesthetic and in one of two most common ways. The first begins with an incision to allow lifting of the nipple and areola tissue whilst remaining attached to the breast, the ducts are separated and the nipple is allowed to sit proudly in its new position. The second method is the incision is made at the base of the nipple and the shortened milk ducts are detached completely allowing for a natural looking projection of the nipple.
Nipple Reduction – The most popular involves elimination of a strip of skin about the neck of the nipple which is closed and sutured reducing the height of the nipple by pushing a portion of the nipple back into the breast tissue. This is a very straightforward procedure and is often performed under local anaesthetic.
Although everyone has nipples, not everyone may be happy with the size and shape of their nipples. Though any problems with your nipples may be a harmless medical condition, we understand how inverted nipples, enlarged nipples, puffy nipples or a large areola (the darker skin around the nipple) may cause discomfort or self-consciousness.
Enlarged nipples can be hereditary and you may have been born with the condition or have experienced changes in your nipples during puberty or after breastfeeding. If the appearance of your nipples is a concern for you, nipple correction surgery can have excellent aesthetic results.
Other reasons you may want a nipple correction could include asymmetry between the left and right nipples or stretching or irregularity of the areolas after previous breast surgery. Often after pregnancy and breastfeeding, women are left with a nipple shape that is less desirable from what they previously had, and they wish to correct it.
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 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.
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, which 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.
Protruding nipple correction at Cadogan Clinic can reduce the height and width of the nipple whilst still preserving sensation. 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.
We offer a free, no-obligation 30-60 minute consultation with one of our Patient Advisors. They will work with you to understand your objectives and the results you want to achieve, talk you through the procedure and answer any questions you may have. If you decide that you would like to proceed to the next step and see a surgeon, your Patient Advisor will be happy to arrange this for you. At this point, you will be required to pay a consultation fee.
The next step is for you to meet your chosen surgeon at the Cadogan Clinic. Your surgeon will use this time to make a comprehensive medical assessment of you, your condition, and your expectations before making a recommendation and personalised treatment plan for you. You will then discuss the outcomes you can expect to see and ask any questions.
On the day of your procedure you will be welcomed at the Cadogan Clinic by your Patient Advisor and dedicated nursing staff. Following a brief medical check, you will meet with both your surgeon and anaesthetist to run through the details of your procedure one final time and answer any last questions you may have.
After the procedure, you will recover in the capable hands of our aftercare team. As we are a day-case facility you can expect your recovery to be complete within 2 to 3 hours. If your surgeon is happy with your results, you will be able to be discharged from the Clinic the very same day. In some cases, patients may wish to stay locally in our exclusive partner hotel the day before or after your procedure in order to be close to their surgeon. Talk to us about these options if this is for you.
Our care and support continues in the days and weeks following your procedure with our complimentary aftercare programme. This comprised of a series of appointments made with your surgeon and nursing team to monitor your progress and recovery. They will also introduce you to several scar minimization techniques and bespoke products to aid your progress. Our team are also on call to answer any questions you have around your surgery at any time you are concerned.
To book a consultation with a Nipple Reduction specialist, please complete the form below.
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