Nipple correction

Each nipple consists of two parts: the nipple and the areola. The nipple is the protruding part and the areola is the dark part around the nipple. During the first consultation, the plastic surgeon will determine with you which part of the nipple needs to be corrected.

• Treatment plan based on your complaints
• Our plastic surgeons are affiliated with the Dutch Societies for plastic surgery (NVPC and NVEPC) NVPC and NVEPC
• Both male and female surgeons

The consultation

There are several ways to perform a nipple correction. During the first consultation, the plastic surgeon will determine which method is best for you on the basis of a physical examination. Photos are taken for the medical record.

The types of interventions

Inverted nipples

There are different forms of inverted nipples. A nipple can be malformed at birth and pull in from puberty. Sometimes the milk ducts to the nipple have to be loosened to correct this. You will then no longer be able to breastfeed. But a normally shaped nipple can also pull inwards. The nipple can be brought out and permanently supported by a temporary loop or piercing. You can continue to breastfeed after this procedure because the milk ducts remain intact during this procedure.

Nipples too long

Nipples that protrude too far or are too long can be a result of genetics or breastfeeding. The nipple can be adjusted by cutting away part of the nipple. This procedure can be performed under local anaesthetic.

Areola reduction

An oversized areola can be reduced in various ways. The mammary gland and milk ducts usually remain intact. This means that you can breastfeed after the procedure. Correction of an enlarged areola is performed by removing some of the pigmented skin around the nipple or around the areola. An areola reduction is often performed in combination with a breast lift or breast reduction.

The surgery

On the day of the operation, you must report to the desk. There you will be picked up by the nurse who will take you to the treatment room. In general, the nipple correction is performed under local anaesthetic. Only an extensive nipple correction takes place under general anesthesia. During the operation, the plastic surgeon makes small incisions to correct the nipple. These incisions are carefully sutured after surgery. Partly dissolvable or non-dissolvable sutures are used. Sutures that do not dissolve on their own are removed by the plastic surgeon after a week. The operation takes about half an hour and after the operation you can leave the clinic under supervision.

Aftercare and recovery

After a nipple correction you may experience post-pain. You can safely take a painkiller, preferably Paracetamol. Do not take aspirin, as this increases the risk of bleeding. The first few days after the operation there is swelling, this will subside on its own. Avoid heat and physical exertion to speed recovery. You can resume non-exercise daily activities 24 to 48 hours after surgery. In the beginning the scars will be fiery, the scars usually take 3 months to 1 year to fully recover.

After the operation, we are available 24/7 in case of emergency or urgent questions.

Prices

Risks and Complications

Nipple correction is a cosmetic procedure and therefore carries the same risks as any other operation. However, the chance of a complication is virtually nil. During the intake interview, your attending physician will discuss the risks of the procedure so that you can make an informed choice. The complications that can occur after a nipple correction are:

• You would like to look younger
• Bleeding
• Poor wound healing
• Feeling changes
• Asymmetry
• Visible (thickened) scars

Sometimes women can still breastfeed, while for others it is impossible. Always contact us immediately if unexpected problems arise.