Nipple correction / areola reduction

from woman to woman

The nipples are the central, visual points of our breasts and therefore determine the appearance as well as the size or symmetry of a breast. The shape in which they appear visually is determined by our genetic predisposition. Areolas that are unevenly sized or too large can disturb our own aesthetic perception or impair the symmetry of the breasts.

The same applies to the nipples. They can be naturally positioned as so-called inverted or inverted nipples. This is when the nipples are constantly retracted inwards. In addition to an annoying appearance, these can also cause inflammation or impair breastfeeding. The nipples are also subject to age-related and maternity-related changes.

Whether areolas that are too large or unevenly sized, inverted nipples or nipples that are too small or too large. At Dr Michaela Montanari's practice, we address this important and very sensitive issue from woman to woman.

We perform these treatments on nipples at the practice of Dr Michaela Montanari:

Surgical reduction of the nipple/ nipple correction
Surgical correction of asymmetries - elevation or repositioning (usually in combination with a Breast liftbreast reconstruction or Breast reduction)
Correction of inverted nipple/slip nipple
Correction of nipples that are too small or have changed due to ageing with hyaluronic acid

Brief overview of nipple correction:

Duration of treatment:

depending on findings approx. 1 - 1.5 hours

Anaesthesia:
Local anaesthesia or twilight sleep

Follow-up treatment:
Special wound dressing for 2 weeks

Load restrictions:
Avoid sport, sauna, solarium and sunbathing for approx. 2 weeks.

Associated terms:
Nippleplasty, nipple reduction, areola reduction, nipple correction, areola reduction

What are the advantages of nipple reduction?

Areola reduction is a surgical procedure that is not always performed for aesthetic reasons, but sometimes also for functional reasons. The advantages at a glance:

More harmonious proportions of the breast: An areola that is too large can be perceived as disproportionate in relation to the breast. By reducing the size, the breast often appears more symmetrical, younger and firmer.
Correction after pregnancy or breastfeeding: Breastfeeding or hormonal changes often lead to an elongation of the areola. The procedure then restores the original size or shape.
Adaptation in case of genetic predisposition: Some people naturally have very large or irregularly shaped areolae, for example with smaller breasts. The reduction in size can boost self-confidence and reduce feelings of shame when undressing.
Alignment with asymmetry: If one areola is significantly larger than the other, this can be compensated for.

Which surgical techniques are used for nipple correction?

The areola can be reduced in size by removing a circular strip of skin. This results in a delicate scar at the edge of the areola and the ability to breastfeed remains unaffected.

How is a nipple correction performed?

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and in most cases under local anaesthesia. For particularly anxious patients, however, our anaesthesia team also offers a type of twilight sleep. Depending on the technique and findings, the procedure takes about 1 hour, sometimes a little longer.

What needs to be considered after nipple correction?

After the operation, you will wear a special bandage for 2 weeks to prevent pressure on the operated nipple during wound healing. As the stitches used in areola correction are usually self-dissolving, there is no need to pull the stitches. You should also avoid sport, saunas, tanning beds and sunbathing for at least 2 weeks.

How long do the results of a nipple correction last?

Nipple correction is a permanent solution that lasts a lifetime, as the nipple is permanently stabilised in its new position. Nevertheless, the result is subject to factors such as skin ageing and weight gain or loss.

Is nipple correction painful?

You will not feel anything during the outpatient procedure due to the local anaesthetic. Afterwards, you will feel the same as with any other area of the body where incisions are made: Slight soreness and tenderness in the treated area. However, no pain is to be expected due to the special dressing.

What are the risks?

This may be followed by sensory disturbances and temporary numbness, slight swelling, bruising and, in very rare cases, secondary haemorrhaging. However, these risks are all temporary. In rare cases, inflammation or infection may occur, which must then be treated with antibiotics.

How much does a nipple correction cost?

The costs of a burst wart correction depend on the local findings. The calculation is based on the GoÄ (scale of fees for doctors). We can therefore only give you a binding cost estimate during a personal consultation.

What should you look out for when choosing a doctor?

When choosing a specialist, make sure that you use the term Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery. Other designations such as beauty doctor, cosmetic surgeon, etc. are unprotected and not a sign of qualification (more on "What should you consider when choosing a specialist?„.

It is also important that you receive a comprehensive preliminary examination and information about the course of treatment, possible risks and the healing process.

Why should you come to us for your nipple correction?

Extensive experience, maximum hygiene and infection protection, continuous further training and the utmost care are the basis of our practice. This is also reflected in the large number of positive patient reviews and our seals & awards.

Take advantage of our almost 20 years of experience for your desired change. Dr Michaela Montanari has been a member of the board of the German Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (DGÄPC) since 2021. She has also been certified since 27.02.24 by the DGPRÄC certified breast surgeon.

What do patients say about us?

View all reviews

Do you have questions about correcting your nipples?

In a personal and individual consultation, we will be happy to analyse your wishes and expectations and discuss in detail the realistic results to be expected, conceivable risks and any possible complications in order to design a treatment concept that is right for you.