Nipple reduction in London
Do you feel like your nipples are wide, puffy and just overly prominent? Do they make you feel self-conscious? You may wish to undergo a nipple reduction surgery.
Nipple reshaping can reduce the height and width of your nipple, while still maintaining the sensation in the nipples.
Nipple reduction surgery is performed under a local anaesthetic, and you will be able to return home on the same day, once the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off.
If a nipple reshaping surgery isn’t quite right for you, you may also be interested in an inverted nipple correction or an areola reduction.
Our clinic at 106 Crawford Street was recently inspected and rated as good across all 5 domains.
All our surgeons are on the GMC specialist register for plastic surgery. The Royal College of Surgeons of England has an excellent information resource on cosmetic surgery.
Causes of large nipples
It is possible to suffer from enlargement of the nipple itself or the brown area around the nipple (the areola).
The nipple itself may:
- Protrude too much
- Be too wide
- Be an uneven shape
The areolar is the brown area around the nipple and this may be :
- Too large
- Uneven and not round in shape
- Domed and raised from the surrounding skin
Abnormalities of the nipple can be treated with:
- Reduction in the size of the areolar
- Surgery to make the areola more rounded
- An operation to reduce the tissue beneath the areolar and reduce its domed appearance
The nipple reduction surgery can be a simple solution for both men and women to being happier with the appearance of their breasts without going through invasive surgeries.
Benefits of nipple reduction:
- Corrects overly prominent, wide or puffy nipples
- Boosts up body confidence
- Improves mental health
Risks of nipple reduction:
- Infection, but is extremely rare
- Temporary or loss of sensation the nipples caused by damage to the nerves
- Difficulty in breastfeeding
- Some may lose pigment on the nipple area
Ideal candidates for nipple reduction
All patients should be in good health and have realistic expectations about what can be achieved with nipple reduction surgery.
We do not treat patients below the age of 18 years of age.
Healing is better if patients refrain from or quit smoking.
The nipple reduction procedure is performed purely for cosmetic purposes, to help improve one’s image and self-esteem.
Nipple reduction surgical techniques
Nipple reduction surgery is easily and comfortably performed under a local anaesthetic. This means you will be awake but numb in the area of the procedure. You can also have the choice of having a TIVA general anaesthetic if you would prefer to be asleep for the procedure – ask your surgeon at consultation and this can be arranged for you.
Nipple reduction is most commonly carried out under a local anaesthetic as it is a short procedure that takes roughly 30 minutes to perform for each side. The nipple is carefully reduced in size using a cutting diathermy blade and the scars are barely noticeable as they are concealed on the inside of the nipple where it meets the areola.
Nipple reduction is performed as a day case, so you will be able to return home on the same day as the procedure.
The surgeon will make incisions which will reduce the size of the nipples. Dissolvable stitches will be used in most cases.
Most people notice mild discomfort after nipple reduction surgery. This is usually well controlled by simple medications such as paracetamol. You should be able to return to work and social activities within a week.
Recovery after nipple reduction
You will experience some discomfort for 24-48 hours following your procedure, but most patients recover very quickly. You can take pain medications if necessary.
Within a week, the very fine absorbable stitches should fall out after which your dressings will be removed.
Expect some swelling for the first 2-3 weeks, but you will be able to see the final results only after 4-6 weeks.
Nipple reshaping surgery is considered to be a good solution for reducing prominent nipples.
FAQs
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How are enlarged nipples treated?Enlarged nipples can be treated by carefully removing the skin and internal nipple tissue using radiofrequency diathermy. The prinicple is the same as for reducing tissue in other areas of the body but nipple reduction is on a much smaller scale and the scarring is barely visible once healing has taken place. Up to 10% of women have some type of nipple related condition where they may be enlarged. This causes them to be visible beneath clothing which can be a source of embarrassment as well as causing pain and discomfort through rubbing on clothing. Men can also have enlarged nipples and in this case, the problem may be excerbated by underlying extra breast tissue. This is known as gynecomastia. With nipple reduction, the patient can experience an improvement in confidence and self esteem and relief from symptoms of pain and irritation. Nipple reduction techniques at Centre for Surgery can address all types of enlargement whilst preserving nipple sensation. Nipple reduction may be combined with a variety of other breast procedures including breast augmentation and mastopexy. The advantage of combined procedures means you won’t have to return and face the inconvenience of taking time out for another procedure.
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Am I an ideal candidate for nipple reduction?Ideal for individuals who feel that the size of their nipples are big in relation to their breasts.
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How is nipple reduction going to benefit me?The procedure corrects overly prominent, wide or puffy nipples – giving you more confidence when wearing tight fitting clothes.
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How is the nipple reduction performed?The area which concerns you will then be reduced. Absorbable stitches will be used in most cases.
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How long does the procedure take?It is a very quick procedure and usually takes 20 minutes to treat each nipple.
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Is the procedure painful?The procedure is normally performed under local anaesthetic so you will not feel any discomfort, however can also be performed under a light general anaesthetic.
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What is the recovery period like?Most people experience mild discomfort after nipple reduction surgery and can take pain medications to ease it. You should be able to return to work and social activities within a week, but we recommend you to avoid strenuous physical activity for 6 weeks following your surgery.
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What are the risks associated with nipple reduction?Infection but extremely rare
Temporary or loss of sensation the nipples
Difficulty in breastfeeding
Lose pigment on the nipple area -
Will there be scarring after nipple reduction surgery?Nipple reduction is a minor procedure, therefore, scarring is minimal as they are usually hidden on the underside of the nipples.