Nipple Surgery

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Knoxville, TN

Nipple surgery is a field that includes several different procedures that improve the appearance of the nipple-areolar complex. Nipple surgery can address both cosmetic and reconstructive concerns, with many patients seeking this procedure to reduce the position/size or improve the shape of their nipples.

Dr. David Lo is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Lumiere Plastic Surgery + Medspa known for his transformative results and dedication to patient safety. Dr. Lo aims to help each of his patients feel more comfortable and confident in their skin.

If you are ready to learn more about nipple surgery, please schedule a consultation online or call (865) 357-2639.

About Nipple Surgery

Nipple surgery reshapes and repositions the nipple and areola. Several factors can affect the appearance of the nipple-areolar complex, including breastfeeding, genetics, age, hormonal fluctuations, and more. (1) Nipple surgery can correct one or both nipples either as a standalone procedure or in conjunction with a breast procedure—often a breast lift or breast reduction.

Nipple Surgery Techniques

Dr. Lo can address your concerns with several different methods. The technique he selects will depend on your unique case, but it may be:

  • Circumcision Technique: The circumcision technique places a large circular incision around the perimeter of the areola. This preserves and protects the nipple while shaping or reducing the areola.
  • Wedge Resectioning: The wedge resectioning technique can reduce the height and protrusion of the nipple. With this method, Dr. Lo excises a triangular section of tissue from the nipple and areola. (1) He often uses this technique in nipple reduction procedures to preserve the patient’s natural ductal system.
  • Grafting: Dr. Lo employs the grafting technique during reconstruction procedures. This technique uses a skin graft from another part of the body to help reconstruct and reshape the nipples and areola. (2)
  • The Flaps Technique: The flaps technique uses breast tissue to reshape and reposition the nipple. Dr. Lo often employs this technique for patients seeking an effective solution that preserves the sensitivity and function of the nipples and areola. (1)

Benefits

Nipple surgery offers several benefits, including:

  • Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Nipple surgery can create a more proportionate look, improving the appearance of your breasts.
  • Increased Confidence: Many patients experience a boost in their self-esteem and overall body confidence after seeing the results of their procedure.
  • Improved Symmetry: This procedure can address any asymmetry or unevenness resulting from misshapen nipples.
  • Resolved Inversion: Dr. Lo can perform nipple surgery to correct the structure of inverted nipples.
  • Reconstructive Benefits: Nipple surgery can reconstruct the nipple-areolar complex, restoring normalcy to those who may have sustained trauma from an injury or undergone a mastectomy.
  • Lasting Results: The results of nipple surgery are permanent, contributing to long-term satisfaction and self-confidence.

Candidates

Ideal candidates for nipple surgery include either men or women who are unsatisfied with the size or shape of either their nipples or areolas. This procedure benefits anyone with enlarged or misshapen nipples or areolas who wishes to make a change.

All potential patients should be in good general health and hold realistic expectations regarding their achievable outcomes. Additionally, patients should be nonsmokers or willing to quit using nicotine. Dr. Lo will evaluate each candidate’s eligibility during their consultation.

Personal Consultation

At Lumiere Plastic Surgery + Medspa, we ask that you attend a personal consultation at our Knoxville office before scheduling your procedure. During this meeting, you and Dr. Lo will discuss your medical history, concerns, and ideal treatment outcomes. He will also examine your chest. After collecting the necessary information, Dr. Lo will present you with a customized treatment plan.

Dr. Lo will also provide you with preparation and recovery instructions and a comprehensive price estimate for your procedure. We encourage you to ask questions and voice any concerns you have.

If you are ready to receive your personalized procedure plan, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Lo online or call (865) 357-2639.

Preparation

When preparing for your nipple surgery, you will need to take certain steps to facilitate an optimal recovery and results. For example, Dr. Lo may advise that you discontinue using certain blood-thinning medications and supplements. Nicotine use, if applicable, must cease several weeks before your scheduled appointment. You will also need to limit alcohol consumption.

We also ask that you arrange transportation home from your procedure and take time away from work and other social commitments. Additionally, please fill any prescriptions or medications beforehand.

Procedure

There are several different procedures involved in nipple surgery, with the most common being nipple reconstruction, areola reduction, and the correction of inverted nipples. You will receive anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the process.

Nipple-Areola Reconstruction

Nipple-areola reconstruction is a procedure that can restore your nipples after you undergo a mastectomy, another type of surgery, or post-trauma. The exact treatment plan depends on your unique anatomy. Dr. Lo may either use graft tissue from another part of the body or create the appearance of a nipple using pre-existing skin and tissue around the breasts. (2)

Areola Reduction

An areola reduction primarily targets disproportionately large areolas. This procedure begins with a circular incision around either the areola or nipple. Dr. Lo then makes a smaller concentric incision inside the first incision. Dr. Lo will carefully remove the tissue between the two incisions to reduce the overall size and diameter of the areolas. He may also reshape or reposition the areolas to ensure the results look pleasing and proportionate.

Inverted Nipple Correction

Inverted nipple correction addresses the appearance of inward-turned nipples. Dr. Lo will begin this procedure by placing incisions near the base of the nipple to release it from the surrounding muscle and tissue. After releasing them, he will either use the flaps technique or place internal sutures to ensure the nipple maintains its projection before closing the incisions. (3)

Recovery

During your recovery, the treated areas may be swollen, bruised, or tender. These effects are temporary and will gradually dissipate on their own. Many patients can return to work after a few days, but this timeframe varies for each individual. Dr. Lo will provide additional recovery instructions.

Results

After your recovery, you may experience an improvement in the symmetry, size, or projection of your areolas or nipples. These changes can enhance the overall appearance of your chest, offering a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The results of nipple surgery are long-lasting or permanent.

Nipple Surgery During a Breast Lift

A breast lift is a surgical procedure that elevates the positioning of the breasts to address sagging and loose skin. Also known as a mastopexy, this procedure repositions your underlying tissue and removes excess skin from around the chest to restore a more youthful and refined look. Many patients pair this procedure with nipple surgery for comprehensive breast rejuvenation, and it can also pair with several other procedures for a full-body transformation.

Cost of Nipple Surgery in Knoxville, TN

The cost of your procedure can vary depending on the type of correction you seek, the extent of the procedure, the techniques Dr. Lo uses, anesthesia fees, facility fees, and other factors. Dr. Lo will discuss the cost of your nipple surgery after establishing your treatment plan at your consultation.

Lumiere Plastic Surgery + Medspa also offers several financing options to those who qualify; we can help you explore your options during your personal consultation.

To learn more about the cost of your customized procedure, please schedule a consultation online or call (865) 357-2639.

FAQ

What is nipple surgery?

Nipple surgery consists of various techniques that reshape, reposition, and reconstruct the areolas and nipples for either cosmetic or health-related reasons.

How long is the recovery period after undergoing nipple surgery?

Recovery times will vary between patients, but some patients are able to return to work after just a few days.

Will there be visible scarring after nipple surgery?

Dr. Lo takes great care to place incisions discreetly and to minimize any visible scarring.

Does nipple surgery improve sensitivity?

Nipple surgery does not directly enhance sensitivity. It is primarily intended to improve the aesthetic appearance of the nipples.

Is nipple surgery safe?

Like all surgical procedures, there are risks, but complications are considered relatively rare under the care of a professional. Dr. Lo will discuss the risks with you during your consultation.

Will nipple surgery preserve my nipple sensation?

Nipple surgeries can affect nipple sensation and sensitivity, but this is typically only temporary. As you continue to heal, normal sensation will return.

References

  1. Trøstrup H, Saltvig I, Matzen SH. Current surgical techniques for nipple reduction: A literature review. JPRAS Open. 2019;21:48-55. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpra.2019.06.002
  2. Paolini G, Firmani G, Briganti F, Michail Sorotos, Fabio. Guiding Nipple-Areola Complex Reconstruction: Literature Review and Proposal of a New Decision-Making Algorithm. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2021;45(3):933-945. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-020-02047-9
  3. Mangialardi ML, Baldelli I, Salgarello M, Raposio E. Surgical Correction of Inverted Nipples. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2020;8(7):e2971. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000002971
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