Nipple Reconstruction Surgery

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.