Questions About Altered Nipple Prominence
Do both men and women seek breast surgery for nipple prominence?
Yes, both men and women pursue cosmetic solutions to address undesirable nipple prominence.
Can nipple prominence change over time?
Yes. In fact, most people will experience a change in nipple prominence over their lifetime. As nipples become more or less prominent, self-consciousness may arise and considerations of pursuing a surgical solution increase.
Am I a candidate for plastic surgery to reduce my nipple size?
If your nipples lead to self-consciousness or interfere with arousal and sexual enjoyment, then you may be a candidate for a cosmetic solution to address your nipple prominence.
Nobody needs to bear the burden of embarrassment due to prominent nipples. A cosmetic solution will increase your quality of life and self-confidence by increasing the aesthetic appeal of your nipples.
Why have my nipples not returned to their previous appearance since breastfeeding?
While many women are fortunate enough to have their nipple appearance return to normal after breastfeeding, occasionally nipple shape irrevocably changes before or after weaning. This is due to damage or scarring of the milk ducts during breastfeeding.
What are the causes altered nipple prominence?
Irregular nipple shapes can be caused by numerous factors, including:
- Genetics – Hereditary factors greatly govern nipple form and shape
- Hormones – Hormones heavily influence breast tissue development. If a hormonal imbalance exists, then nipple prominence may increase or decreases
- Injury – If a breast has been injured, scar tissue development may result in an inverted nipple
Do non-surgical options exist to address nipple prominence?
Non-surgical solutions are available for women with mildly inverted nipples, including:
- Stimulating procedures to coax the nipple out, such as icing the nipple
- Breast shells, which are plastic discs that are implemented for women who wish to breastfeed but have inverted nipples. These are adapted with suction devices that can pull the nipple out.
- Alternatively, some individuals find that placement of a nipple piercing which is left in place for several months can correct mildly inverted nipples.
What surgical solutions are available to change nipple shape?
Regardless of whether your nipples are overly prominent or inverted, Chicago Breast Surgeon, Dr. Otto Placik, can surgically correct your undesirable nipple shape. Surgical options include:
- Release of tethered tissues causing nipple inversion – If tight or restricting ducts has resulted in nipple inversion, these can be surgically treated to allow greater nipple prominence. However, this may have the potential to interfere with the future potential to nurse.
- In the event of prominent nipples, Dr. Placik will excise the excess nipple tissue.
- Breast augmentation – Nipple modification can be performed simultaneously with a breast augmentation
Enduring embarrassment for prominent nipples is not a burden you must bear. Please contact the plastic surgery office of Chicago Breast Surgeon, Dr. Otto Placik, today for a breast surgery consultation.