Significant enlargement of the areola in women is often associated with pregnancy and lactation, though may occur irrelevantly to these factors. Along with areolar enlargement, the shape of the nipple may also change. In some cases, elongated nipples and large areola may cause discomfort, both physical and psychological. These issues can be addressed by the means of cosmetic surgery.
Like any planned surgery, nipple and areola correction surgery is preceded by a consultation with a plastic surgeon, to ensure the patient’s safety and design a proper plan of intervention.
The correction typically involves reducing the pigmented area of the areola while avoiding the glandular tissue and deep layers of the skin. The procedure does not require hospitalization and is performed under local anesthesia. Nipple and areola correction surgery fall into a special category of plastic surgery. In most cases, breastfeeding becomes impossible after nipple-areolar complex transplantation, but nowadays special microsurgery methods are used for nipple correction, preserving the milk ducts. The incision length is usually under one centimeter, allowing for precise nipple correction without leaving noticeable scars.
After suture placement the wound is dressed and bandaged. The patient is discharged, though several appointments are scheduled over the course of the following two weeks – to observe the healing process and dress the wound. Bruising and swelling subside within a few days after the surgery, and nipple sensitivity typically returns within two months. Postoperative care includes prescription antibiotics is prescribed after the surgery, and it is important not to ignore this prescription, as otherwise, soft tissues can become infected, leading to inflammation and abscesses, which may alter the final result of manipulation.
Modern nipple correction techniques are delicate in nature, and do not damage any structures involved in lactation.
