Esmailian Logo
562.430.7373 Contact

What Is Areola And Nipple Reduction Surgery

Nipple and areola reduction surgery is a cosmetic procedure designed to decrease the size and alter the shape of the nipples and/or areolas. This type of breast augmentation surgery is often sought by individuals who are self-conscious about the appearance of overly large nipples or their areola size.

A woman who has enlarged or asymmetrical nipples may choose to have nipple correction surgery. When a woman has excess breast tissue, becomes pregnant, and/or breastfeeds it is not uncommon for her nipples and the areola complex to be negatively affected. Generally, the areolas stretch, sometimes reaching a circumference of 10 cm. Another issue common following pregnancy and breastfeeding is protruding nipples.

However, some patients who may not have gone through pregnancy and breastfeeding may still have enlarged areola and nipples, mainly due to genetics.1 Men suffering from gynecomastia can also experience oversized puffy areolas and nipples; therefore, Dr. Esmailian performs this surgery for men and women. An areola and/or nipple reduction can improve the appearance of:

  • Elongated, over-sized, and/or droopy nipples
  • Enlarged and/or bulging areolas

Candidates For Nipple and Areola Reduction

Good candidates for nipple and areola reduction surgery are individuals who are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and are bothered by the size or shape of their nipples or areolas. It's important to consult with Dr. Esmailian to determine if this procedure is right for you.

Logo media

Preparing For Nipple & Areola Reduction Consultation

To prepare for nipple and areola reduction surgery, patients should start by having a thorough consultation with their surgeon to discuss their goals, medical history, and any medications or supplements they are taking. It is essential to follow the surgeon's pre-operative instructions, which may include avoiding certain medications that can increase bleeding, quitting smoking, and arranging for someone to drive them home after the procedure. Patients should also plan for a comfortable recovery area at home with necessary supplies such as loose clothing, prescribed medications, and items for wound care. Maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated in the weeks leading up to the surgery can also promote better healing and recovery.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask them. Some patients find it helpful to write their questions down and bring them to their initial consultation.

Nipple Reduction Before & After Photo

Before and After Nipple Reduction Los Alamitos
View All

The Nipple And Areola Reduction Procedure With Dr Esmailian In Orange County

Nipple and areola reduction surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with or without sedation. Dr. Esmailian begins by making small incisions around the nipple in what’s known as the “top hat flap” incision technique and/or areola to remove excess tissue and reshape the area.2

Two issues can be addressed with nipple reduction surgery: the nipple projection and/or the nipple width. Some patients have issues with one and not the other and some desire both the projection and the width to be addressed.

Since Dr. Esmailian only removes the extra, peripheral areola, he leaves the nipple and the areola’s central portion attached. The pigment rests within the superficial portion of the skin; therefore, removing a thin layer of skin is all that is necessary to accomplish an areola reduction. Once this excess skin is excised, Dr. Esmailian uses fine sutures to re-attach the areola that remains. The resultant scar is placed between the normal skin and the pigmented skin of the areola in a circumferential fashion.

The sutures are placed internally and will absorb over time, so there is no need for the removal of sutures at a later date. The final step is placing tape over the incisions, with the entire procedure taking about one to two hours.

Banner media

Recovery After Nipple and Areola Reduction

Recovery from nipple and areola reduction surgery generally involves some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. It’s important to understand that the scar will go through a process of initially becoming red and erythematous but subsiding after 6 months time to a fine thin line along the border of the areola. Most patients can return to work and normal activities within a week, but strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks. Dr. Esmailian will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.

Schedule a Consultation

Ready to achieve the look you desire? Contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Esmailian, a renowned plastic surgeon in Orange County, to discuss breast procedures such as nipple and areola reduction surgery. Take the first step towards boosting your confidence and enhancing your natural beauty.

FAQs About Nipple and Areola Reduction Surgery

Can nipple and areola reduction surgery be combined with any other procedures?

Are there any risks or complications associated with nipple and areola reduction surgery?

Will nipple and areola reduction surgery affect breastfeeding?

How long do the results of nipple and areola reduction surgery last?

Is nipple and areola reduction surgery covered by insurance?

Can nipple and areola reduction surgery be combined with any other procedures?

The areola reduction procedure can be performed alone; however, this is frequently done in conjunction with other cosmetic surgeries including breast reduction surgery and breast lifts. The procedure is an inherent part of breast reduction and mastopexy (breast lift), as the breast is lifted to a more youthful position, the areola is also reduced to be in harmony with the new breast shape and position. Nipple reduction surgery can also be performed in conjunction with almost any other procedure that is performed, with minimal increase in downtime and discomfort.

Are there any risks or complications associated with nipple and areola reduction surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications, including infection, bleeding, scarring, changes in nipple sensation, and asymmetry.3 However, these risks are generally low, and most patients experience a smooth recovery. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Esmailian with extensive experience in nipple and areola reduction can help minimize these risks.

Will nipple and areola reduction surgery affect breastfeeding?

Nipple and areola reduction surgery may affect breastfeeding depending on the extent of the surgery and the techniques used. If preserving the ability to breastfeed is important to you, be sure to discuss this with Dr. Esmailian during the consultation. He can tailor the procedure to maximize the chances of maintaining breastfeeding capability.

How long do the results of nipple and areola reduction surgery last?

The results of nipple and areola reduction surgery are typically long-lasting. However, factors such as aging, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and hormonal changes can affect the appearance of the nipples and areolas over time. Maintaining a stable weight and following a healthy lifestyle can help preserve the results.

Is nipple and areola reduction surgery covered by insurance?

Nipple and areola reduction surgery is usually considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. However, if the surgery is being performed to correct a medical issue, such as severe asymmetry or other functional problems, some insurance plans may provide coverage. It's important to check with your insurance provider and discuss potential costs with Dr. Esmailian.

1 ASPS. Cosmetic procedures for the nipples and areolas. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/cosmetic-procedures-for-the-nipples-and-areolas. Accessed June 27, 2024.
2 Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Nipple reduction using the modified top hat flap. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17102722/. Accessed June 27, 2024.
3 ASPS. What are the risks of breast augmentation? https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/safety. Accessed June 27, 2024.

Schedule A Consultation

Contact Us
Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 562.430.7373.
Contact Us