Nipple Correction

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Santa Rosa and Sonoma County, CA

Nipple Correction

Many mothers experience dramatic changes to the overall shape and projection of their nipples, which can leave them with an unattractive appearance.

Before and After Photos

About Nipple Correction

Having a baby and creating a bond through nursing is such a beautiful experience, but it can be really hard on a woman’s body.

This tends to cause women to feel self-conscious and depressed about their new body contour. Thanks to board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Francisco CanalesDr. Heather Furnas, and Dr. Culbertson, women can attain a pre-pregnancy physique with nipple correction surgery in Northern California. At Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa, we offer several options, including areola reduction, nipple reduction, and nipple inversion correction surgery. Call our office in Santa Rosa, CA today to schedule a private consultation to learn how this cosmetic procedure can help you.

Ideal Candidates

Learn About Nipple Correction In Northern California.

You are an ideal candidate for nipple correction in Northern California if you are in overall good health, at a stable weight, are not breastfeeding, and are past childbearing. Typically, women wish to address the following:

  • Elongated or stretched nipples
  • Overly wide nipples
  • Inverted nipples
  • Reduce the size of the areola
  • Correct the projection of the nipple
  • Improve the overall shape and size of the nipple

Types of Nipple Correction

Learn more about the types of procedures we offer. 

Nipple Reduction
Enlarged or overly-shaped nipples (also known as nipple hypertrophy) can be caused by genetics, hormone changes, or breastfeeding. A nipple reduction surgery is performed to reduce the size and projection of elongated nipples for a more symmetrical contour. It can also correct nipples that appear too expansive.

Nipple Inversion
On average, about 10% of women have at least one inverted nipple. There are different classifications of this condition as some inverted nipples can be reversible with stimulation, changes in temperature, or suction cups while others cannot. The most common underlying causes of inverted nipples are short ducts and tethering tissues that pull the nipple inward.

Areola Reduction
The areola is the pigmented area that surrounds the nipple. In some instances, the areola is naturally disproportionate to the nipple or can become too wide or stretched after puberty, breastfeeding, or weight fluctuation. This reduction surgery alters the size of the areola to complement the natural shape of the breast and nipple for a balanced silhouette.

How It Works

Surgical Technique

Nipple correction surgery in Northern California is a cosmetic procedure that is performed on-site in our accredited surgical facility.

Generally, the procedure takes about one hour to perform and patients will be free to go home the same day. The technique used to make your nipple correction will depend on the type of surgery you need: nipple reduction, inversion correction, or areola reduction.

Nipple Reduction

A nipple reduction surgery is used to address expanded or misshaped nipples. Dr. CanalesDr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson will carefully place incisions along the natural curves of the nipple and areola to make scarring as inconspicuous as possible. With an elongated profile, a cylinder of skin is removed from around the base of the nipple and then sutured to close the two sides together. A wide nipple is improved by removing a wedge of tissue to create a more symmetrical appearance. The nerves and milk ducts are generally not affected.

Nipple Inversion

With nipple inversion surgery, a retraction suture is used to pull the nipple forward and the milk ducts are cut one at a time to release tension. Since this procedure is very simple, it does not require general anesthesia, but a numbing cream will be used to diminish any discomfort. The result provides a more natural-looking contour.

Areola Reduction

This procedure will remove a portion of the areola starting from the outer edge to reduce its size. The pigment of the areola can also be corrected with cosmetic ink (or tattooing) to create a circular, natural shape.

What to Expect

Nipple reduction and inversion surgery in Northern California are considered outpatient procedures.

After the Treatment

Many patients can return to usual activities and drive themselves home after their procedure. Typically, you can return to work the next day. A nipple protector will be provided to wear under the bra to help aid in optimal healing. This protection should be worn for at least two weeks.

With an areola reduction, the recovery will be slightly more extensive. The procedure itself is fairly simple, but following your surgery, you should allow for optimal rest to enable proper healing for the best results. Heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided until Dr. CanalesDr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson have cleared you for such activity.

Results

Although there will be a noticeable difference, optimal results will occur in the months that follow as the nipples settle into their new position.

Follow-up

Typically, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled about a week after your nipple surgery in Northern California. Concluding results will be seen in the months that follow.

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FAQ

How much does a nipple correction cost?

The cost of a nipple correction surgery will depend on your unique treatment plan. In many cases, patients also opt to combine nipple correction with another cosmetic surgery. During your first visit, we will review your condition and go over your aesthetic goals to create a custom plan. From there, we can discuss costs and payment options.

Can I still breastfeed after a nipple correction surgery?

Most likely, yes. However, this is not guaranteed, which is why we recommend you be past childbearing and breastfeeding prior to undergoing this surgery. We will do our best to conserve the milk ducts during this process, but it’s important to have realistic expectations and to understand that you may not be able to breastfeed.

Will I lose the sensation of the nipple after a nipple reduction?

Since the sensory nerves are not at a superficial level where the incisions will be made, physical sensation is usually not a problem after nipple reduction. However, some patients may experience loss of sensation, which is why it’s important to review all the pros and cons prior to surgery.

Can I have a nipple repair at the same time as a breast lift or breast augmentation?

Yes. Many of our patients decide to have a breast augmentation or breast lift with their nipple correction surgery. This enables them to attain the specific outcome they desire.

Schedule an Appointment

Restore your nipple shape and size

If your nipples have changed over time or have always been asymmetrical, then nipple correction surgery may be a great option for you. Don’t continue living life feeling self-conscious or unhappy with your body. Schedule a consultation with Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa to learn more about how we can help you attain that gorgeous contour of your dreams.