The Naked Surgeon: The Naked Truth About Nipple Correction

January 30, 2025


To begin with, many women commonly refer to the area of the breast containing the areola and nipple collectively as “the nipple.” Let’s clarify the anatomy. The nipple is the protruding part located at the center of the areola, while the areola is the larger, pigmented, circular area surrounding it. The color and shape of the areola can vary widely depending on factors such as ethnicity, genetics, pregnancy, and other influences. Areolas can range from being pale and blending subtly with the surrounding breast skin to being large, dark, and elevated, resembling a small “cap.” Additionally, small bumps known as Montgomery tubercles may be present on the areola, often becoming more prominent during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menstruation.

Various surgical and non-surgical treatments are available to address aesthetic or functional concerns related to these areas of the breast.

Nipple Correction

Nipple correction is often sought to address:

  • Inverted nipples (those that retract into the areola)
  • Trauma or damage from piercings or injuries
  • Excessively wide or projecting nipples
  • Nipples that lack sufficient projection

Areola Correction

Areola correction is generally requested for:

  • Asymmetry
  • Excessively large or projecting areolas
  • Issues commonly associated with tuberous or tubular breast conditions

These procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia, often in-office, with minimal downtime and quick healing. However, patients should be aware that any intervention may interfere with breastfeeding or alter sensation, and these factors must be carefully considered before proceeding.

Nipple Reduction

Nipple reduction can address overly projecting nipples or those that are excessively wide in diameter. Correction of inverted nipples, where the nipple retracts into the areola, is also a commonly requested procedure. Nipple correction is frequently requested by men as well, particularly to address protrusions visible through clothing. For men, even t-shirts or tank tops can highlight overly projecting nipples.

Temporary solutions like band-aids or nipple covers are readily available, but for many patients, surgical or non-surgical treatments are preferable for lasting results.

Take the Next Step

To learn more about the innovative treatments offered at Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA, contact our office by calling (949) 617-1168 or by filling out the consultation request form below.

Non-Surgical Options

Nipple augmentation using injectable products such as Juvéderm has gained popularity in response to social and fashion trends. This minimally invasive treatment is quick and reversible if the desired results are not achieved.

Surgical Options

Surgical nipple reduction is a straightforward outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. Recovery is quick, with healing typically occurring within a few days. Dissolving sutures are used, and aftercare is simple, with most pain managed using over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or Advil.

Inverted Nipple Correction

Inverted nipples are more common than many realize, affecting up to 2% of adult women. This condition can occur bilaterally or unilaterally. Reasons for wanting correction can range from inverted nipples interfering with breastfeeding to personal preferences, especially given current social media trends that showcase idealized body images.

Sometimes, the nipple may protrude temporarily due to cold or areolar contraction. However, for many women, inversion persists, often developing during adolescence, after breastfeeding, following trauma, or as a result of growth in breast tissue.

Surgical Correction

This simple procedure, often performed alongside other breast surgeries such as augmentation, mastopexy, reduction, or revision, involves small incisions that typically become invisible over time. While techniques like duct-sparing surgery are employed to preserve as much function and sensation as possible, there is potential for diminished sensation and reduced breastfeeding ability. Despite these risks, most patients report high satisfaction with their results.

Non-Surgical Correction

Non-surgical methods use gentle suction to draw out inverted nipples. Using a device shaped like a thimble, we can offer a practical, non-invasive solution for some patients.

Areola Reduction

Enlarged areolas can develop due to breast growth, conditions like tuberous breasts, weight gain, asymmetry, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Reduction typically involves a periareolar or “donut-type” excision. While some initial puckering of the incision site is common, it usually smooths out within 4-5 months. This technique is also used for periareolar breast lifts or mastopexy procedures.

Nipple and Areola Surgery for Men

Both women and men can experience issues such as “puffy nipples,” which may require areolar tightening or removal of underlying breast tissue. Men can also present with enlarged or inverted nipples, which can be treated using similar methods as those described for women.

My husband saw dr Nichter. He recommended surgery. He also made recommendations about skin tags on his face & other parts of his body that could possibly be cancerous. Our whole experience at the center was wonderful.

Judy A.

Summary

These procedures, whether for cosmetic or functional improvement, have been consistently requested by patients over the years. Our expert surgeons at the Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA, ensure high-quality care tailored to individual needs. To learn more about Nipple Correction and the innovative treatments offered at the Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA, contact our office by calling (949) 720-3888 or filling out the consultation request form below.