Nipple & Areola Correction

Overview

What is nipple & areola correction?

A lot of attention is given to breast procedures such as breast reduction, and breast lifts within the medical community that many women aren’t even aware that problems isolated to just the nipples and the areolas can also be addressed.

Most patients who seek correction in these areas do so because they are unhappy with the current appearance. Common areola problems include disproportionately large ones or those that protrude with a “puffy” appearance. For the nipple, some commons problems include ones that are inverted, asymmetric or enlarged.

How much does it cost?

The cost of cosmetic areola and nipple surgery can vary depending on several factors. In general, the average cost is anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.

• Nipple Ptosis Correction (Nipple lift): This procedure lifts the nipples into a more aesthetic position. Nipple lifts can also reposition nipples that are too narrowly or widely set apart. Average cost is $1,000 to $2,000.
  
• Nipple Reduction: Procedure for unusually large nipples, also called hypertrophic nipples, resulting in a smaller, less pendulous nipple. Average cost is $1,000 to $2,000.
  
• Inverted Nipple Correction: Surgical procedure done to release the underlying tissues. Average cost is $2,000 to $4,000
• Areola Enhancement: People with larger or elongated areolas may opt for areola enhancement or reduction surgery to resize and reshape the areolar complex to better suit their breast proportions. Average cost is $2,000 to $5,000.

Ask your plastic surgeon about financing options if you are unable to pay the upfront cost.

Factors affecting the cost of treatment

Here are the key factors that can impact the cost of nipple and areola correction surgery:

• Your Surgeon: Highly experienced and reputable plastic surgeons often charge more for their services.
• Location Matters: The cost of cosmetic procedures varies by region and is typically higher in major metropolitan areas.
• Surgical Facility: The fees associated with the surgical facility where the procedure is performed can make a difference.
• Anesthesia: The type of anesthesia used (local, sedation, or general) can affect the cost.
• Surgical Technique: The complexity and the specific surgical techniques of your procedure will influence the cost.
• Nipple and Areola Issues: The extent of correction needed, such as nipple reduction, areola reduction, repositioning, or augmentation.
• Additional Procedures: If the surgery is combined with other procedures, such as breast augmentation, the cost will be higher.

Nipple & areola reconstruction

Nipple and areola reconstruction is usually the final step in the breast reconstruction process. This involves a separate surgery aimed at making the reconstructed breast closely resemble the original one. It’s typically scheduled about 3 to 4 months after the initial surgery to allow the new breast to heal properly.

The goal of nipple and areola reconstruction is to replicate the position, size, shape, texture, color, and projection of the new nipple to match the natural one (or both nipples, if needed). Tissue used for rebuilding the nipple and areola is often taken from the newly created breast, although, less frequently, it may come from another area of your body, such as the inner thigh. In cases where a woman wishes to match the color of the reconstructed nipple and areola to that of the other breast, tattooing can be performed.

The cost for nipple and areola reconstruction can range from $3,000 to $7,500. In many cases, if your health insurance plan covers breast reconstruction, it will cover the fees associated with nipple and areola reconstruction.

Are you a candidate?

You may be a good candidate for nipple or areola correction surgery if you are:

• You are in good overall health.
• You do not have any major medical problems.
• You are informed about the risks and benefits associated with the procedure.
• Wish to change the size, proportion, or appearance of your nipple and/or areola.
• You are a breast reconstruction or mastectomy patient.
• You have realistic expectations.

To see if you are a good candidate for surgery, schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon near you.

Safety information

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects associated with the procedure. Some of these include:

• Infection
• Nerve damage
• Temporary or permanent numbness
• Loss of sensation
• Scars
• Milk duck blockage

While the ability to breastfeed is usually preserved after the surgery, there is always the slight possibility that surgical complications could lead to difficulties. Be sure to speak with your plastic surgeon about all the potential risks before moving forward with surgery.

Recovery time

The recovery period from this type of surgery is relatively brief. The amount of time needed to recover varies from patient to patient, but most are able to resume their normal lives and return back to work within a couple of days.

In the first few days after surgery you may feel some discomfort, but this can be easily mitigated through the use of pain relievers.

In some cases, your surgeon may advise that you abstain from any sexual activity or from any high-intensity exercises for a few weeks.

When to expect results

The timing for when you will see the final results of surgery depends on several factors, such as the specific procedure. Most patients can expect to see final results within a few weeks to months after surgery.

To learn more about nipple and areola surgery, visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) website.

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