Can I Make My Nipples Smaller?

Some women are self-conscious about the projection of their nipples or the large size of their areolas. While these features are often genetic, they can also result from pregnancy, fluctuating weight, or aging. Many of Dr. Wald’s patients choose to have nipple or areola reduction in conjunction with another breast procedure, such as a breast lift, to get the final breast result they desire.

To what extent can my areolas be reduced?

In some cases where the areola (the pigmented skin around the nipple) needs to be reduced significantly, a full breast lift is required with an areola reduction. A breast lift requires a “lollipop” incision, which will follow the line of pigmentation around the areola and extend down the center of the breast from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease.

Another option for areola reduction is a donut incision around the areola, also called “circumareolar mastopexy.” This procedure only removes the excess skin of the areola, which can be an advantage for some depending on how much excess areola skin and breast skin is present. The main advantages of this technique over a full breast lift are less scarring and less interference with breast tissue; however, there is a greater likelihood of the areola stretching out again. “Skin bunching” is another risk with this option since the skin around the areola gets thicker the farther away it is from the areola. When a large areola is reduced and no surrounding breast skin is removed along with it, a bunched appearance can result along the incision. Removing too much of a large areola can also result in tension along the incision line that may lead to other problems. During your consultation, Dr. Wald will evaluate your breasts to determine the maximum amount of skin that can be removed. He can perform this technique using only local anesthesia unless you require additional procedures.

What is involved with reducing nipple projection?

A nipple reduction can reduce the height and width of the nipple. This procedure is also done under local anesthesia unless combined with other procedures. The “sleeve” technique will leave the core of the nipple intact, which will preserve sensation and avoid interfering with milk ducts. Sensation loss is still a risk with the procedure, but it is far less likely to occur at the hands of a board-certified and experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Robert Wald.

If you would like to learn more about nipple or areola reduction, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert Wald. Dr. Wald is board certified in plastic surgery and has years of experience performing breast surgery, including nipple reduction. He will help you to weigh the risks and benefits of the procedure according to your physical anatomy and the results you desire. Please call (714) 312-3549 to schedule your appointment, or fill out our online contact form for more information.