(913) 451-3722
LEAWOOD, KS
(913) 451-3722
LEAWOOD, KS
(913) 451-3722
LEAWOOD, KS
Today, there is much attention placed on breast-enhancing procedures like breast augmentation, but very few people consider what addressing the nipple and areola of a breast could do for them. The nipple and areola play an important part in breast aesthetics. Correcting nipple and areola abnormalities may be the only thing you need to give your breasts the look you desire, or it could be part of a group of procedures you choose to improve the appearance of your breasts.
Nipple-changing surgery is not only for women. If a man has an abnormality or simply does not like how his nipples look, he could choose to undergo surgery as well. Nipple reduction for men may even be performed during the same surgery to address gynecomastia.
At Associated Plastic Surgeons, our board-certified plastic surgeons will listen to your aesthetic goals and explain how a nipple reduction in Kansas City could help you achieve them. Call today to schedule an initial consultation and learn more about this effective breast procedure.
The nipple of a breast is surrounded by darker-pigmented skin called the areola. The size, shape, and position of the areola will vary from person to person. Aging, hormones, genetics, or trauma can affect this area’s appearance. Sometimes, nipple reduction surgery is medically necessary to make changes that allow better breastfeeding. Other times, surgery is performed for cosmetic purposes because a person is self-conscious of their nipple or breast appearance.
Nipples can become enlarged and appear droopy. It can happen with both sagging breasts and perky breasts. Resizing the nipples is a simple way to address these issues and improve appearance. Many of our patients in Kansas City choose to pair a nipple reduction with a breast reduction procedure.
Inverted nipples, where the nipple is retracted into the breast instead of pointing outward, can be a problem that disappears with stimulation, or it can be a permanent problem. It can be caused by genetics, or you may have developed the condition after breastfeeding. Fortunately, our skilled plastic surgeons can reverse inverted nipples so that they appear normal.
Areolas can appear puffy because breast tissue is pushing the areola out. Tubular-shaped breasts have this issue more often than other breast shapes. It is a genetic variant that gives a breast appearance that some women may not like. You can choose to have the areola changed alone or with an accompanying breast reduction or breast lift surgery.
Areolas can also be asymmetrical or misshapen. When compared side-to-side, one can be larger than the other, or the areola may not be circular. Our team of talented doctors at Associated Plastic Surgeons can fix these cosmetic problems quickly with the proper surgery.
Nipple and areola surgery is routinely performed at our Kansas City office under local anesthesia when it is the only procedure being performed. A mild sedative can be added if you wish. Dissolvable sutures are used so there is no stitch removal later. There are three different types of surgical procedures that one of our experienced plastic surgeons could perform based on your specific problem areas and goals:
During nipple reduction surgery, the nipple remains attached to its blood vessels and nerves. Milk ducts and your ability to breastfeed can also be preserved.
For nipple inversion, a very small incision is made so that the fibers of tissue pulling the nipple inward can be cut.
For areola reduction, the blood supply and milk ducts of the nipple are left completely intact because the nipple is never touched. Only a small ring of excess dark areola skin is removed. There can be a slight breast lift effect from this surgery.
You go home shortly after your nipple or areola procedure is finished. Do expect some swelling, tenderness, and bruising. Carefully applied ice packs will help. Most of our patients return to their usual routine the following day. We suggest you avoid picking up items that weigh more than 15 pounds, as your breasts will need to heal over the next three to four weeks. High-intensity workouts and breast stimulation should be avoided for at least two weeks. You may notice more than usual breast pain during your first post-surgery period, but this should not be a recurring problem.
Risks from this surgery are minimal. You may notice a temporary decrease in sensation, but this is rarely permanent because nerves and blood vessels tend to run together and are not cut during the procedure. Damage to milk ducts is also very rare, so your ability to breastfeed is rarely bothered.
The results of your Kansas City nipple reduction procedure are permanent. Changes can still occur due to the normal effects of gravity and aging—but with proper care—you should be able to maintain your desired appearance.
If you are unhappy with how your nipples, areolas, or breasts look, make an appointment with Associated Plastic Surgeons for a consultation with one of our highly-trained plastic surgeons. They will be able to offer you the best procedures to reach your aesthetic goals and will recommend nipple reduction in Kansas City when appropriate. Call now.