Nipple or areolar correction surgery can have excellent aesthetic results and can usually be carried out under local anaesthetic as a day case or outpatient procedure. It is sometimes performed alongside other surgery, such as a breast augmentation.
Inverted nipples result from unusually shortened milk (lactiferous) ducts, which are cut in order to bring the nipples back out. On its own there is a risk of recurrence over time, as the milk ducts heal back together. For this reason, I recommend the use of a small flap of areolar tissue to prevent this from happening which we will discuss during our consultation.
Areolar reduction involves a scar around the edge of the areola, and nipple reduction (either shortening or narrowing) leaves a scar on the nipple itself.
The procedure is relatively minor in terms of recovery and most patients can return to their usual activities straight away. The sutures used will either dissolve or need to be removed at 2 weeks. A small dressing is applied and this will be removed at one week at the first post-operative visit.
Local Anaesthetic usually
Reasonably mobile: Immediately
Hospital stay: Not required
Washing: keep dry until wound check (one week)
Full recovery: 1-2 weeks for scar healing
Surgery time: 30-60 minutes
Driving: next day
We advise patients to stop smoking 2 week before and after any surgery
Time off work: none
Exercise: 2 weeks
Price: £1200 to £1600