A nipple reduction or areola reduction is a simple procedure to reduce the size of enlarged or stretched nipples or areolas, often caused by aging, weight change, genetics, and pregnancy. Sometimes the procedure is used to tighten deflated areolas or create more symmetry in the breasts. It can be done with a combination of other procedures or as a stand-alone procedure itself. When done alone, it is a quick surgery with a downtime of only two days.
An areola reduction is very similar to a circumareolar breast lift or donut mastopexy, but less skin is removed. The desired areolar size is marked, generally around 38mm and the excess areola is excised. The skin is then brought together with minimal tension to reduce the recurrent enlargement of the areola. Things like the quality of your skin, size of your existing breasts, degree of sagging and size of your nipple should be considered.
A nipple or areola reduction can be performed if nipples are too large, hanging, or over-projecting. It is not recommended in women who plan on breastfeeding. During the procedure, the doctor removes a ring of skin from the base of the nipple, then closes the incision with dissolvable sutures. If the nipple is too wide, then an additional wedge of the nipple is removed and this is also repaired with dissolvable sutures. The entire procedure takes only an hour and is performed either in the clinic or in our state-of-the-art AAAASF surgery center here in Palo Alto under general anesthesia with other procedures.
The procedure offers quick recovery with a downtime of only two days. Patients will sometimes have this procedure done on a Friday and be back at work by Monday, but it is important to avoid exercise for the first two weeks. We will ask that you wear a loose-fitting, wireless cotton bra for the first 2-3 weeks to allow your nipples or areolas to safely and comfortably heal without added pressure. After six weeks of healing time, your nipples or areolas will feel normal and you may resume your regular exercise regimen.
The nipple or areola reduction is great for both men and women. When performed by a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon with the highest board certifications, the procedure can produce powerfully natural-looking results. This quick and simple procedure treats enlarged areolas and enlarged or hanging nipples and can sometimes also help tighten some skin around the areola. A nipple/areola reduction is designed to give you more aesthetically pleasing breasts by adjusting the size and shape of your nipple or areola to look more proportionate to your breast and body type.
You will have surgical tape and dressing over your nipples or areolas after your surgery, which will be removed at your follow-up appointment one-week post-procedure. Once the bandages are off, and the stitches are removed, you will immediately see the vast improvement in the shape and size of your nipples or areolas. As swelling and bruising continue to subside, you will continue to see them take their final form over the course of six weeks.
Typically, the average nipple/ areola reduction cost is $2,000 to $3,000, depending on the techniques used for the individual case. This includes any anesthesia and facility fees. If you would like to break up the payments for your nipple/ areola reduction into smaller monthly increments, we are happy to offer flexible payment plans through CareCredit or Alphaeon. Many of our patients will choose to apply for credit cards with longer terms at 0% interest, so you can enjoy your results soon without the immediate financial burden upfront.
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