Nipple Reduction

What is Nipple Reduction?

Having overly large, long or drooping nipples may cause embarrassment and discomfort for many patients. They may avoid wearing light clothing such as bathing suits, sheer dresses and sports attire. Women sometimes find it necessary to wear adhesives or padded bras to hide the prominent appearance. They may also have physical problems such as chafing or ulceration.

An overly large, long or droopy nipple may also detract from the appearance of the breast. Techniques developed in the last few years preserve the central core of the nipple, maintaining the nipple’s ability to support breast-feeding while preserving sensation. A nipple reduction procedure is often combined with a breast lift, breast reduction, breast augmentation, or gynecomastia (male breast reduction) surgery. Nipple reduction is also relatively simple to perform by itself under local anesthesia in the office.

Am I a good candidate for nipple reduction?

Good candidates in Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts are uncomfortable with the size or shape of their nipples and are in general good health. It is also important to have a good understanding and realistic expectations of the procedure.

Nipple Reduction – Patient 126
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Nipple Reduction – Patient 125
A medical student in his mid 20’s who has mild breast development on his left side in the 7th to 8th grade along with prominence of the nipple. He is mainly bothered by the prominence of the nipple in some clothing and with his shirt off. Because the breast development was mild and the issue that bothered him the most was prominence of the nipple, we decided to address this first. He is shown before and again, 6 weeks after nipple papule reduction in the office under local anesthesia. He is thrilled with his early result and is no longer bothered by the appearance of his chest with or without a shirt.
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Nipple Reduction – Patient 124
A man in his late 50’s who is bothered by enlargement of his nipples. He had nipple piercings when he was younger and the nipple papules grew. He had had the piercings out for years but was embarrassed by the prominence of his nipple papules in clothing, especially fitted shirts. He was also bothered by their appearance with his shirt off. He described his nipple papules as looking like “gumdrops”. He wished to have a normal appearing nipple papule but not overly reduced either. His nipple is prominent in width and in height, and needs to be reduced in both dimensions. A nipple amputation technique, which removes the top of the nipple, would only reduce the height. He is shown before and again, 6 weeks after bilateral nipple papule reduction using the Top Hat Flap technique under local anesthesia in the office. He is thrilled with his result and being able to wear fitted shirts again.
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Nipple Reduction – Patient 123
A woman in her late 30’s who is bothered by an embarrassing prominence of her nipples in clothing. She is shown before and again, 7 weeks after bilateral nipple papule reduction in the office under local anesthesia using a modified, Top Hat Flap method. This allows the reduction of both the nipple height and width, while preserving the core of the nipple and nipple sensation.
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Nipple Reduction – Patient 122
An Asian man in his mid 20’s who is bothered by prominent nipple papules both with his shirt off and in clothing. He is shown before an again 6 weeks after bilateral nipple papule reduction under local anesthesia in the office. He wanted the nipples to be as flat as possible and is thrilled with his result. He can wear thin shirts now without the nipple papules showing through his shirt and making him fell self-conscious.
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How is nipple reduction performed?

Nipple reduction surgery is done under local anesthesia and usually takes around an hour to complete. Dr. Hall creates a small incision in the nipple, and removes any excess tissue from the area. Stitches are then placed to close the incision, and dressings are applied to the breasts. A special surgical bra will need to be word to ensure optimal healing. Results from nipple reduction surgery are permanent, though the natural aging process may contribute to dropping or sagging of the breasts.

What should I expect during recovery?

Nipple reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure, so patients generally return home after their reduction. It is important to note that some patients have someone drive them home, as they will not be able to drive themselves. Pain medication can be prescribed to control any pain or soreness you may experience. Patients should wait one to two days after surgery to drive, bathe, and resume working. It is also advised that patients avoid strenuous activity for three weeks post-op. It is advised that patients sleep on their back only for the first week, as to ensure ideal healing.

As with any invasive surgery, scars will be present. It often takes several months to a year for scars to fade. Bruising often disappears after two weeks, and stitches can be removed within a week of surgery. Sometimes, patients may experience slight numbness or tingling in the nipple area, though this will go away within six weeks.

A consultation is the first step towards a more confident you. If you are interested in nipple reduction surgery in Boston, MA, contact Dr. Hall today at 781-473-0277 to schedule your initial consultation.

“Dr. Hall and his staff are great. They are friendly and made me feel comfortable. Dr. Hall is very knowledgeable and put me at ease regarding my surgery.”

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