Nipple Reduction
Areola reduction and inverted nipple surgery are common cosmetic procedures performed on women born with nipple abnormalities, or those who develop changes with pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause.
Questions about nipple enhancement surgery? Ask New York City cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Preminger.
Areola & Nipple Reduction
Breasts and nipples are very important to a woman’s self-confidence and sense of beauty. When the nipple size is disproportionate to the breast or the positioning is not symmetrical, one’s self-esteem can suffer tremendously, creating fear of intimacy and feelings of depression. Sometimes the nipples are inverted, which can inhibit the ability to breastfeed or enjoy a lover’s touch. Patients have reported insecurity while getting changed, being unable to remove their bras during sex, and living with horrible thoughts they can’t shake — that their nipples look like “pancakes” or “silver dollars.”
It is important to know that you are not alone. In 2013, 122,838 American women underwent breast reduction or areola reduction surgery. Board-certified Manhattan plastic surgeon Dr. B. Aviva Preminger understands how uncomfortable you may feel talking about this problem, and she is here to help with years of experience in breast enhancement surgery.
Preparation
Areola reduction begins with a one-on-one consultation with the plastic surgeon. At this time, you’ll learn all about nipple enhancement options, risks, and outcomes. General risks of surgery include: allergic reaction to general anesthesia, infection, wound separation, and tissue death. Numbness or loss of sensation is a common temporary side effect that may become permanent in rare cases. Pain, sensitivity, itching, redness, scarring, and hyperpigmentation are other adverse events that are possible, but not likely.
During your consultation, Dr. Preminger discusses her methods of risk reduction, goes over your personal health history, and addresses any concerns you may have about the procedure. To prepare yourself for areola reduction surgery, you may be asked to stop the use of aspirin, vitamin E, diet pills, stimulants, recreational drugs, alcohol, supplements, and cigarettes.
Recovery & Results
It’s common to feel confused, disoriented, and emotional after your surgery. Be sure to mention if you feel nauseated, as an anti-nausea medication can be administered. The recovery team will continue to monitor your vitals. Once your awareness improves and your oxygen saturation increases, you will be released. You will need someone to drive you home, pick up your pain medication, fix you something to eat, and retrieve items like water or ice packs as you relax.
After the first day, you may feel well enough to return to work. Your first post-operative appointment will be scheduled 5-10 days after surgery, at which point your dressings may be changed. Bruising should decrease within two weeks and more strenuous activities may be resumed after three weeks. Physical contact with the breasts can be resumed after 4 weeks. It could take up to a year for the scars to fade.
Results of nipple enhancement can be seen right away, and are generally permanent. The breasts can droop or sag naturally with age, however. It is normal for the skin to appear shiny and red due to swelling at first. Puckering should clear up between weeks two and six. Numbness should also dissipate by six weeks. Revision surgeries for areola reduction are rare and the newer techniques (like wedge excision) yield high patient satisfaction.
Nipple Enhancement Surgery in NYC
Dr. B. Aviva Preminger is known for her warm, friendly, supportive demeanor, as well as her highly credentialed Ivy League education. Individuals looking for a true professional who is board-certified and operates in an accredited surgical facility can find what they’re looking for at Preminger Plastic Surgery in New York City.
To learn more about having nipple or areola reduction, inverted nipples correction, or any type of nipple enhancement surgery, please call (212) 706-1900 or contact us online to book an appointment or have any questions answered by our team.