Nipple correction surgery: for when you don’t want to stand out

There are many reasons why a woman can be unhappy with the perceived largeness of size of their nipples: it could be something they’ve been uncomfortable with all their life, or it’s put them off wearing clingy tops. New mothers may feel that their nipples have enlarged after breastfeeding. Women who have had a breast reduction may be looking at their nipples and feeling they’re not out of proportion.

A simple solution to a personal choice

A desire for smaller nipples is also quite fashionable at the moment due to a shift towards a more natural. According to a recent survey conducted by a UK clinic, there was a 30% increase in requests for smaller nipple correction surgery in 2016. In recent surveys, a selection of women were asked to rate the attractiveness of a selection of nipples, and the pictures of women with smaller nipples and areola came out on top.

Whatever the reason, enlarged nipples are easy to correct through a simple procedure that offers immediate results and minimal risk. However, if you’re planning to breastfeed in the future, it should be put off for now.

How does nipple correction surgery work?

Firstly, it’s worth pointing out that from the aesthetic surgery point of view, the nipple and areola are considered as two separate entities. A lot of patients who seek nipple reduction also want an areola reduction procedure at the same time, to keep both in proportion – but one element can be treated whilst leaving the other untouched, if that’s want the client desires.

Areola reduction procedures are simple enough: a ‘doughnut’ of outer areola is removed, and the skin surrounding it is affixed to their new position with sutures. Nipple reduction surgery varies: in some cases, the length is reduced by suturing the tip of the nipple to the bottom of it, creating a shorter length. If the problem is that the nipple is too wide, a wedge is removed from the under-surface of the nipple, which allows it to be ‘taken in’, reducing the circumference.

For more information, book a consultation with our lead surgeon who specialises in breast surgery.

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