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Understanding Nipple Reconstruction Surgery
Nipple and areola surgery includes a range of cosmetic procedures designed to enhance, correct, or reduce the nipple or the surrounding areola. These treatments are available for both men and women who may feel self-conscious about enlarged, inverted, or misshapen nipples, or areolas that appear stretched or out of proportion. Nipple reconstruction can also address nipples that are damaged, misplaced, or altered due to prior surgery or trauma.
This procedure is often combined with a breast lift, breast reduction, or breast reconstruction to achieve the most balanced results, but it can also be performed on its own for those who only wish to refine the nipple or areola. By restoring proportion and symmetry, nipple reconstruction surgery not only improves aesthetics but also helps patients feel more confident in their appearance.
Our QUAD A Accredited Operating Room
On-site Operations
We strive to create a calm, serene, and private environment designed to help you feel relaxed and at ease. We are able to conduct many cosmetic procedures in our center, including liposuction, fat transfer, blepharoplasty, and breast lift surgery. We offer the latest in medical technology to ensure the safest, most accurate and beautiful results you can receive.
Learn MoreNipple Procedures
As this is an individualized procedure, there are several different cosmetic procedures used for the enhancement, reduction, or alteration of the nipple and/or areola.
Nipple Reconstruction
For complete reconstruction, local skin flaps, including the skate flap, C-V flap, and star flap can be used and are elevated to create the nipple mound, which produces the contour and texture of the nipple. Once the flaps have been created through small incisions and the nipple mound has been reconstructed, the incisions will be closed and left to heal.
Inverted Nipple Correction with Partial Preservation of Milk Ducts
An incision is made just around the base of the nipple on the areola. The nipple and areola tissue is lifted from (but still connected to) the breast and stitched into a new, projecting shape. This makes the nipple stick out more. As the scar is in the shape of a circle, the tighter skin around the nipple will actually cause the nipple to stick out more. Medicated gauze is then applied to the stitched area.
Inverted Nipple Correction with Detached Milk Ducts
This procedure is much more common and may be necessary in more difficult cases but it does not preserve the milk ducts fully. An incision is made at the nipple base, and the shortened milk ducts are detached. This allows the nipple to stick out naturally. The incision is then cleaned, stitched and medicated gauze is applied to the wound.
Nipple Reduction
A nipple/areola reduction is done typically in conjunction with either a breast augmentation or breast lift after a woman is finished nursing. During surgery, part of the tip of the nipple is removed, and then the skin is sutured inward. Both nipple and areola surgeries are performed in the operating room under local or general anesthesia. In most cases, patients will be ready to go home shortly after the procedure is finished. These small incisions heal very quickly, and recovery time is minimal.
Our Credentialed Team of Experts
Led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Abdollah Malek, our experienced team combines advanced training with a compassionate, patient-first approach. From surgery to skincare, we’re proud to offer personalized care in a discreet, supportive environment where your comfort and confidence come first.
Meet the Team
Brea Malek
Director of Marketing + Certified Surgical Technologist + Medical Assistant + Director of Sterile Processing
Nipple Reconstruction Recovery
If only a simple nipple repair procedure was performed, then recovery time is fairly short with patients returning to work within the week. If a more extensive surgery is done, or paired with another breast procedure, then recovery time will be extended. Recovery time for more extensive procedure usually takes about 2 weeks, in which case patients can normally return their job if its physically undemanding. Patients will normally experience bruising, swelling, and soreness for the first few days. Vigorous physical activities should be avoided for up to 6 weeks, as they may damage the healing process.
Schedule Your Consultation
Nipple reconstruction can be a powerful final step in the breast reconstruction journey, helping restore both natural appearance and personal confidence. At The Centre for Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Abdollah Malek and our compassionate team are dedicated to providing individualized care that supports your goals and comfort.
With offices in Lewes and our Wilmington satellite location, we make it convenient for patients throughout Delaware to access expert surgical options. Schedule your private consultation today to learn more about nipple reconstruction and how we can help you feel complete again.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Meet Dr. Abdollah Malek
Dr. Abdollah Malek believes the art of cosmetic surgery is in listening to his patients. He builds each treatment plan on a solid foundation of communication between doctor and patient and spends a considerable amount of time getting to know the people he treats — taking their goals into account and offering the best options to meet those goals. At our state-of-the-art Centre for Cosmetic Surgery, you are not just a patient; You are our guest.
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