Nipple Reduction FAQs

• What is a nipple reduction? A nipple reduction is a breast enhancement surgery, in which your cosmetic surgeon removes extra skin and tissue to decrease your nipples’ height or projection. The procedure can also focus on diameter or width of your nipples. Plastic surgeons usually perform this procedure as part of a breast lift, boob enlargement procedure or boob reduction in New York and New Jersey.
• Why is a nipple reduction procedure done? Nipple reduction surgery addresses the discomfort caused by nipple hypertrophy. This is a condition where your nipple is prominent and can reach lengths of up to 2 cm. The globular nipple also has increased width. Many women with enlarged nipples complain about physical and psychological effects. The nipples cause discomfort and chafing when wearing certain types of clothing. The enlarged nipples also cause body image issues, as you can’t comfortably wear light clothing during the hot season. The surgery not only improves your self-image, but also your self-esteem.
• What techniques are used for nipple reduction? A plastic surgeon can choose between a flap and a wedge nipple reduction technique. In the flap technique, your cosmetic surgeon makes an incision at the base of your nipple and lifts part of it. Then the excess tissue is removed from the nipple. Your surgeon turns down the flap to create a smaller nipple. In wedge nipple surgery, your doctor cuts out a piece out of the nipple in a wedge shape. Then the surgeon attaches the two remaining sides of the nipple to make a smaller, better-looking nipple. Which technique your surgeon uses depends on the condition of your nipple.
• Am I a good candidate for nipple reduction? If you’ve recently lost weight or your nipple size has enlarged because of pregnancy or breastfeeding, this surgery is for you. Nipple reduction is ideal for men and women who feel their nipples are too wide or project too far from the breast. If you find it hard to wear some clothing because of your nipple size, this surgery can solve that problem. Other situations that make you a good candidate for breast reduction include extra skin on your nipples, uneven nipples or droopy nipples. If the size of your nipples affects intimacy or your self-image, it’s time to consider a nipple reduction.
• Can a man have nipples reduced? Nipple reduction surgery is available for men. Men may struggle with prominent nipples due to weight gain, steroid use, hormonal imbalance or medical conditions. Men can also suffer from inverted nipples and gynecomastia, a condition that causes enlarged male breasts. Large nipples in men may affect their self-esteem, so the surgery improves their quality of life.
  How much does nipple reduction cost? The cost of nipple reduction varies from one patient to another for a number of reasons. On average, you can expect to pay somewhere between $1,000 and $2,000 for surgery on both nipples. Some factors can add to the cost, including the location of your doctor, expertise of the surgeon, medication costs and post-surgery care. When it’s part of another procedure, such as a breast lift, nipple reduction surgery is generally less expensive.
• Does insurance pay for nipple reduction? No. Nipple reduction is considered a cosmetic procedure, which means you have to pay for it out-of-pocket. Some plastic surgeons have payment plans to make it easier for you to access this cosmetic surgery. The plan can include a down payment before the procedure, with the balance paid out later over time.
  How long does it take to recover from nipple reduction surgery? Nipple reduction is a simple outpatient procedure, but full recovery takes about a month. Immediately after the reduction surgery, you may experience some pain, soreness and sensitivity around your breasts, but these symptoms resolve in a few days.
• Is the procedure painful? During your nipple reduction surgery, an anesthesiologist administers local anesthetic to reduce any pain and discomfort. After the surgery, expect some soreness around your nipples, but the sensation goes away in time. Your doctor can prescribe pain medication to relieve the discomfort for your short recovery.
  What’s the goal of a nipple reduction? The goal of nipple reduction is to decrease the projection of your nipples in relation to the rest of your breast. The ultimate result is a reduced nipple which crowns your breasts perfectly while boosting your body image.
• Can I breastfeed after a nipple reduction? Yes, you can breastfeed normally once your nipples heal. During the breast surgery, the doctor takes care not to interfere with the milk ducts or blood supply to your nipples. Your surgeon discusses this and other issues during your initial consultation.
  Do I need a nipple reduction after a breast augmentation? Breast augmentation increases the size of your breasts. For an added effect, you can opt for nipple reduction if you feel uncomfortable about your enlarged nipples. Talk to your plastic surgeon while planning your augmentation procedure.
• Do I need a nipple reduction after a breast reduction? Combining a nipple reduction with a breast reduction may give you better results. To determine if this procedure is necessary, talk to your doctor during your consultation. From experience, your surgeon can explain how big your nipples will appear compared to the expected size of your reduced breasts. After an examination, your breast reduction surgeon in New Jersey or New York may be able to tell you whether it’s necessary to have your nipples reduced.

If you have more questions about nipple reduction surgery, contact Rowe Plastic Surgery on the Upper East Side of New York City. The talented team at this state-of-the-art facility use advanced medical equipment for the best results in breast surgeries. Breast surgeries offered at the facility include:

• Breast augmentation
• Fat transfer breast augmentation
• Breast lift
• Breast lift with implants
• Breast reduction
• Breast reconstruction
• Nipple-sparing mastectomy with implants
• Breast revision surgery
• Nipple reconstruction and nipple correction surgeries
• Inverted nipple correction
• Nipple enlargement
• Areola reduction

Schedule My Consultation

If you have more questions about nipple reduction surgery, contact Rowe Plastic Surgery at one of their offices in Manhattan, Plainview or Water Mill, NY or in Montclair or Red Bank, NY. The talented team at this state-of-the-art facility use advanced medical equipment for the best results in breast surgeries.

212-628-7300