Nipple Reduction

Not necessarily. While nipple reduction is most commonly incorporated as part of another breast enhancement surgery, it can also be scheduled as a solo procedure.

Typically, Dr. Mariotti places the incisions within the pigmented area surrounding the nipple, where they should heal up to nearly invisible after surgery.

Future weight gain or pregnancy that affects your breast size and shape could also affect the size and shape of your nipple-areolar complex. However, outside of these circumstances, most women are happy with their new look long-term.

Nipple reduction is often performed as part of another breast procedure, such as a breast lift, breast reduction, or breast augmentation. When this is the case, the cost of nipple reduction surgery is factored into the total cost of your breast procedure.

When performed on its own, nipple reduction will be significantly less expensive than a more involved breast enhancement procedure. The exact cost of your nipple or areola reduction surgery will depend on factors such as the plastic surgeon you choose and the surgical techniques involved.

If you have already selected a plastic surgeon for another breast enhancement procedure and are interested in adding nipple reduction, discuss your options during your consultation.

Otherwise, you can start the plastic surgeon selection process by asking for personal referrals from friends and family in your area, checking online reviews, and booking a few consultations to help you make your final decision.

Nipple reduction could be an appropriate solution for you if you are bothered by the appearance, size, or asymmetry of your nipples or areolas — the pigmented area that surrounds your nipples.

If you are getting another breast procedure and are unsure if adding a nipple or areola reduction makes sense for you, Dr. Mariotti can explain your options in more depth during your consultation to help you decide.

Most people report experiencing only mild discomfort and tenderness, along with mild swelling and bruising, directly after getting a nipple reduction, which is typically easily managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain medication.

Adding a nipple reduction to your breast augmentation or other procedures should not affect your recovery time or experience.

When performed on its own, nipple reduction recovery is generally short and uncomplicated. Most women are able to get back to work and other regular activities within a few days to a week after their procedure.

If your nipple reduction surgery is performed at the same time as another procedure, recovery time could be longer, depending on the specific procedure(s) that are combined.

Some women may experience a temporary loss of sensation in their nipples directly after getting a nipple reduction, though this sensation typically returns as your body heals. Other temporary side effects can include numbness, tingling, or heightened sensitivity.

In some cases, you may be able to still successfully breastfeed after nipple or areola reduction surgery. However, in some instances where the underlying structure of the nipple is affected by nipple reduction surgery, breastfeeding may not be possible.

If breastfeeding is an important consideration, you may want to consider postponing this procedure until after having children.  Dr. Mariotti will discuss the specific surgical techniques and recommendations for your procedure with you during your consultation.

Be sure to let him know if the ability to breastfeed is important to you.