Large Nipples, Areola Reduction
Usually when we think of enhancing the breasts we think about enlargements,
uplifts or reductions. However, for some women, their concerns relate
to their nipples. Whether they are inverted or protrude too far or are
too big, these women are always pleased to hear that it is possible
to enhance just the nipple.
Inverted
Nipples
Approximately 2% of women have inverted nipples. A nipple is said
to be inverted when it points inward. Inversion can be seen in varying
degrees of severity. An inverted nipple can look flat or a slit-like
depression or hole at the normal nipple location.
Often this condition occurs from birth and is due to tethering of
the shortened underlying milk ducts of the nipple. Sometimes scar
tissue underneath the nipple from previous surgery or infection can
cause inversion as well.
Inverted nipples can be repaired with a surgical release of the tethering
structures and a suturing technique to maintain the nipples in an
outward position.
Although a separate procedure, nipple inversion repair can be performed
at the same time as other breast surgery. If there is any doubt about
this, however, the nipple repair should be performed at a later date.
Large Nipples
What many women think of as "the nipple" is actually made
of two parts: the nipple and the areola. The nipple is the projected
part and the areola is the dark pigmented skin that surrounds the
nipple.
Large nipples — either in circumference or in length —
can affect a woman's appearance both in and out of clothing. Sometimes
nipples are enlarged simply due to genetics or develop after childbirth
and breastfeeding.
Reducing a nipple's size can be performed as an out-patient. The surgery
usually takes less than one hour and the patient can return to their
normal activities within a day or two. Healing is fast and scarring
(if any) is rarely visible. Sensitivity is usually maintained.
First, the doctor will determine which part of the nipple needs to
be reduced. Depending on the shape of the nipple this could be a reduction
in length, a reduction in width, or both. This is often performed
under a local anaesthesia.
Length Reduction
Nipples that are too long either droop down or project too far out.
Usually, to create a shorter nipple length, the tip of the nipple
will be removed and sutured for closure. Sometimes the skin along
the neck of the nipple will be removed. In those circumstances, the
tip of the nipple is then sutured to the bottom of the nipple, creating
a shortened nipple length.
Width
Reduction
If the nipple is too wide (or thick), but not too long, a pie-shaped
wedge will be removed from the nipple. This allows the nipple to be
"taken in" and the circumference reduced. Dissolving sutures
are used.
Areolar
Reduction
A large areola may look out of proportion with the rest of the breast
— especially if the patient has had a breast reduction or breast
lift, but it happens naturally as well (often after childbirth). There
are no medical complications from having a large areola so the desire
to reduce the areola is purely cosmetic, but can really positively
affect the patient's self-esteem and body image.
Areolar Reduction is done by removing some of the pigmented areola,
either by an incision around the outside of the areola or by an incision
around the base of the nipple. Very large areolas may require a lollypop-shaped
closure. This is where a vertical incision runs down from the nipple
as well as around the areola and then closed in the shape of a lollypop.