Nipple and Areolar Correction Surgery With Sydney Plastic Surgeon Dr Ellis Choy
Cosmetic breast surgery is not limited to breast enlargement or reduction procedures. Nipple and areolar surgery is one example where a less-invasive procedure can alter breast aesthetics. Large, protruding areolas or nipples that are long and droopy can be addressed with techniques to improve proportions.
Our bodily makeup is governed by genetics. Breasts are no exception, although their appearance can also change due to external factors such as pregnancy and breastfeeding, the influence of previous surgery, or simply due to the ageing process. Nipple and areolar surgery can address a range of conditions, including:
- Areolas that appear out of proportion or too large
- Stretched or irregular areolas as a consequence of prior breast surgery
- Nipples that are not symmetrical
- Nipples that are exceedingly long or droopy
- Inverted (inward pointing) nipples
The Consultation
The first step in any cosmetic surgical procedure is to employ the services of a highly qualified and experienced practitioner, like Dr Ellis Choy.
Dr Choy is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with decades of training and experience. He pays careful attention to his patients’ needs and concerns and will discuss your expectations and goals in detail during a private consultation. Added to this, Dr Choy uses state of the art equipment in a purpose designed clinic to provide an enhanced experience for his patients.
Dr Choy will thoroughly review any medical history or medications used that could influence the outcome of the procedure. His recommendations are tailored to individual patient needs, all provided in a caring spirit. Your areolar or nipple surgery cost is dependent on the procedure required, and will be fully appraised as part of the consultation.
The surgery
Nipple or areolar correction surgery is generally performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure takes approximately one hour, although if combined with additional procedures the surgery will take longer.
A nipple reduction or correction of an inverted nipple is performed by making an incision on the nipple. Inverted nipples are relatively common, with one in fifty women experiencing this condition. Reversing an inverted nipple is performed by spreading the fibres that pull the nipple inward. The nipple can then be freed and will face outward.
Nipples that are long or droopy can be reduced in length so they are more proportionate. Wide nipples can be reduced by removing some of the underside of the nipple, and the circumference can be reduced.
Areolar reduction involves an incision around the areola. Some pigmented areas can then be removed, creating a smaller circumference in keeping with overall breast shape.
Recovering from surgery
Although nipple and areolar surgery is less invasive than many other cosmetic breast surgeries, there will still be some swelling and discomfort after the operation. Pain medication can be prescribed by Dr Choy, and any incision areas will need to be protected with gauze dressings and a surgical bra if required. This will keep the breasts in proper position during the healing process.
Return to work or regular activities is usually possible within a day or two, although strenuous exercise should be avoided for two to three weeks. You will be able to drive a day or two after the operation, and any numbness experienced should diminish over the next few weeks. The results are permanent outside of natural changes that occur with ageing and life events like pregnancy or weight fluctuations.
*The information about nipple and areolar correction was reviewed by Dr. Ellis Choy. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us here.
Check out some examples of Dr Choy’s work in our nipple correction surgery before and after photos.
Click here to view our nipple areolar correction before and after photos
Making an Informed Decision
Undergoing plastic surgery is a significant decision that should be made only after careful consideration of all aspects involved, including the potential risks and complications.
General Risks and Complications
There are general risks and complications that apply to most plastic surgery procedures. These are discussed in detail on our Risks and Complications page.
Specific Risks and Complications
In addition to those that apply generally to plastic surgery, each individual procedure comes with its own specific risks and complications. For nipple and areola surgery, these include:
- Asymmetry in areola placement
- Asymmetry in nipple size or shape
- Changes in nipple or areola sensation
- Breastfeeding challenges
- Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
- Altered blood supply
- Partial or total loss of the nipples or areolae
Next Steps
Request a consultation with Dr Choy for a detailed discussion of these considerations. Dr Choy will conduct a thorough risk assessment based on your individual factors and outline the measures that can be taken to minimise these risks. He and his team are here to support your decision-making process, providing all the information you need to make well-informed choices about your care.