If you have just started to look at nipple and areola corrective surgery, it can often be confusing to understand the differences between the surgeries, and which one is right for you.
So what are the different types of surgeries you can have?
Inverted nipple correction
Inverted nipples are characterised as being either flat to the breast or a small slit where the nipple should be. Inverted nipple correction will cause the nipple to produce out from the areola. Women will still have nipple sensitivity and be able to breastfeed.
The surgery is minimally invasive and can be undertaken in an hour or two. The surgery involves pulling out the nipple and fibres within the nipple are spread out to make it look aesthetically pleasing.
After surgery, you will experience some bruising and swelling, however, you will be encouraged to resume your normal daily activities as you feel capable of doing so. You should avoid heavy exercise for three weeks following the procedure. You will have stitches which will be removed one to two weeks post-op.
Nipple reduction
Nipple reduction surgery is suitable for both men and women who feel they have puffy, wide or overly prominent nipples. This allows patients to have a higher self-esteem and more confidence, particularly when wearing tight-fitting clothing. Nipple reduction surgery can reduce the size of the areola, make the areola more rounded, or reduce tissue beneath the areola to reduce the domed appearance.
Nipple reduction surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic, however, if preferred, it can be performed under a light general anaesthetic. During the procedure, the particular area of the areola will be reduced, and absorbable stitches will be put into place. Once the dressing is removed, these stitches will naturally fall out after around one week.
You will experience some swelling for the first two to three weeks, with results visible after four to six weeks.
Areola reduction
An areola reduction is ideal for people who have areolas which are raised, domed, enlarged, widened, or have abnormalities in the surface. The ideal diameter for the areola is around 4.7cm, and if a patient’s areola is larger, it can be reduced to this size.
The areola reduction is performed under local anaesthetic, so you will feel no pain throughout the procedure. The procedure involves removing the outer brown area of the areola. The skin around this is then brought inwards around the areola, reducing the diameter of the areola. Absorbable stitches will be used, and generally, a stitch is placed deep in the tissue to avoid the areola widening again after surgery.
After the surgery, you should avoid strenuous physical activity for six weeks. You will feel some soreness for 24-48 hours, but you will be able to resume your normal routine within one week.
Are you interested in nipple or areola surgery? Centre for Surgery offers inverted nipple correction, nipple reduction and areola reduction. Contact us today to find out which procedure is right for you, or to book a consultation with one of our surgeons.