Nipple Reconstruction Options

If your nipples are a source of self-consciousness, numerous nipple reconstruction options exist to address your nipple asymmetry. While irregular sized areolae have no proven physiological problems, psychological issues raised can cause both men and women to pursue nipple reconstruction.

Nipple cosmetic goals are personal and subjective—there is no such thing as the perfect nipple. For some, if one areola is larger than the other, they may believe their nipples are too large and pursue reducing the larger nipple’s size; others in the same scenario may believe their nipple is too small.

Candidacy for Nipple Reconstruction

If your nipple prominence is a source of embarrassment or self-consciousness, you are a candidate for nipple reconstruction. Numerous scenarios may be the basis for a man or woman pursuing nipple reconstruction, including:

• One nipple rests lower on the breast than the other
• Misshapen areola
• Following a breast augmentation
• Post breast reconstruction
• Varying sized areolae

Areola Tattooing

Areola tattooing is one of the most successful, nipple reconstruction procedures for those who believe one areola is too small or require nipple reconstruction after breast reconstruction. This method of nipple reconstruction is conducted to acquire desired nipple aesthetics and address nipple asymmetry.

Surgeons choose from an array of colors and accurately match any skin color in order to create a desired areola proportion. Color matching has advanced so much that other methods of areola reconstruction have become antiquated.

However, tattooing is only an optical effect and is unable to address nipple structure and texture.

Nipple Reconstruction

Through a combination of carefully arranged flaps, visibly accurate nipples can be reconstructed.

Alternatively, using skin from the opposite nipple with similar texture and color, Dr. Otto Placik will graft them to reconstruct the nipple. However, nipples constructed in this manner will not retain the physical sensitivity of natural nipples as they lack the same nerves and blood supply.

After a nipple is grafted, areola tattooing may be necessary to obtain the desired nipple aesthetic.

Nipple Reconstruction Recovery

Typically, a protective dressing is applied. Additionally, the area is dressed with an antibiotic ointment, which must be changed often over a handful of weeks. To reduce potential complications, women should wear a non-compressing bra.

Nipple reconstruction surgery takes approximately two hours. Each case varies by individual and only by contacting our Chicago, Illinois plastic surgery office for a consultation can Dr. Otto Placik, Illinois plastic surgeon, accurately survey the necessary techniques needed to meet your goals.