Nipple Reduction

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.

Though any problems with your nipples may be a harmless medical condition, we understand how inverted nipples, enlarged nipples or a large areola (the darker skin around the nipple) may cause discomfort.

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 may include asymmetry between the left and right nipples or stretching or irregularity of the areolas after previous breast 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.

We recommend that people take one week off work following the areola reduction procedure (more if your job is particularly physical). Strenuous activities, heavy lifting and intense exercise should be avoided for around 6 weeks following your 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.