Nipple-Areola Surgery in Largo, FL

Inverted nipples are often more than just a cosmetic problem — they can get in the way of your ability to breastfeed or even enjoy stimulation. Alternatively, large nipples can cause women to feel physically uncomfortable when wearing thin bras or form fitting shirts. Overly large areolas can also lead many women to feel self-conscious in intimate settings. Because the nipple-areola complex is often the focus point of the breasts, their appearance can have a huge impact on a woman's happiness with her bust. To address the physical and emotional hindrances caused by having a misshapen nipple or areola, board-certified plastic surgeon Roderick M. Urbaniak, M.D. performs surgery to reduce the size of the nipple or areola, correct an inverted nipple, or shift the complex upward on the breast. Nipple-areola correction can also be performed as part of another breast enhancement procedure, such as a breast lift or breast reduction. If you're concerned with the appearance or function of your nipples, contact Urbaniak Plastic Surgery, where our team serves patients all throughout the greater Clearwater area and beyond at our Largo or Clearwater, FL practice locations.

Nipple Reduction
Enlarged nipples can be brought on by a range of factors, such as genetics, puberty, or breastfeeding. Nipple reduction surgery addresses the issue by altering the size and projection of large, elongated nipples, which creates a more attractive and symmetrical shape. This surgery can also reform nipples that are too wide.

Nipple Inversion
An estimated of 10% of women have at least one inverted nipple. This condition occurs in varying degrees because some inverted nipples can be temporarily reversed through stimulation, temperature changes, or with the use of suction cups, while some are unaffected by these situations. Inverted nipples are most often caused by short ducts or other tethering issues that pull the nipple inward.

Areola Reduction
The areola is the tissue that surrounds the nipple. It is usually pink or brown in color, depending on your unique complexion. Areolas can be naturally disproportionate to the nipple, or they can become too wide or stretched due to breastfeeding, changes in hormones, or changes in weight. Areola reduction surgery addresses these issues by altering the size of the complex to suit the shape of your breasts.

Nipple-areola surgery at Urbaniak Plastic Surgery offers several advantages that can positively impact both your physical appearance and emotional well-being. Some of the key benefits include:

• Improved symmetry between the nipples or areolas
• Restored size and shape of the nipples after breastfeeding
• Increased self-confidence and body image
• Low-maintenance and short recovery period
• Long-lasting outcomes

To be a candidate for nipple-areola surgery, you should be in good overall health, a nonsmoker, and able to maintain a stable weight. You should also be finished with childbearing to prevent the risk of compromising your results. Ideal candidates for nipple-areola complex surgery typically want to address the following issues:

• Correct inverted nipples
• Reduce an elongated or stretched areola size
• Decrease vertical nipple projection
• Treat puffy areolas
• Improve the overall size and shape of the nipple-areola complex

Nipple Reduction
Nipple reduction surgery is performed to correct the look of a wide, elongated nipple. To perform this procedure, Dr. Roderick Urbaniak employs an innovative approach that creates scarring in strategic, hidden areas, such as along the natural curves of the nipple and areola. If your nipple appears elongated, a cylinder of skin is excised from the base of the complex and stitched closed. A wide or large nipple is addressed by removing a select amount of tissue to create a balanced look. The nerves and milk ducts that reside underneath are generally not affected by these procedural methods.

Nipple Inversion
The most simple of these surgeries, a nipple inversion procedure can be performed in our office without the need for general anesthesia. To decreased any potential discomfort, Dr. Urbaniak will apply a local anesthetic to the treated area. A retraction suture is then utilized to bring the nipple out to the correct length. From there, a small incision will be placed on the underside of the nipple, where the retracted milk ducts are treated one at a time. The incision is then sutured closed and dressings will be applied.

Areola Reduction
For areola reduction surgery, Dr. Roderick Urbaniak will start with removing a portion on the outer edge of the areola. This delicate process excises excess tissue to create a smaller size. The remaining skin is then pulled in, tightened, and the incisions are closed with sutures. Your incisions will be placed in the margins of the areola, which will allow the scars to be more hidden as the skin heals.

Following nipple reduction or inversion surgery, you can resume your daily activities and even drive yourself home with little to no discomfort. Typically, patients are able to return to work the following day. Dr. Roderick Urbaniak will provide you with a nipple protector that must be worn underneath the bra for two weeks following your procedure, which will allow proper healing to take place. Your finalized results will be seen over the course of several months as you nipples take to their new shape and position.

While the recovery for nipple reduction or inversion surgery is not as high maintenance, the healing period for areola reduction is somewhat more intensive. Although the procedure technique is rather simple, you will be advised to take it easy for the first couple of weeks following surgery. Strenuous exercise should be avoided until you are cleared by Dr. Urbaniak. After 1 – 2 weeks, you will attend a follow-up appointment so we can monitor your progress and to ensure that you are recovering well. Your final results will be fully noticed in the months that follow.

How much does a nipple repair cost?
The cost of your nipple-areola surgery will depend on the particular procedure you are having and which issues are being addressed. During your initial consultation with Dr. Roderick Urbaniak, your needs and goals will be discussed. Using this information, we will tailor a personalized treatment plan. Once your surgical program has been decided, we will be able to more accurately estimate your total procedure costs. Urbaniak Plastic Surgery accepts many methods of payment as well as medical financing.

Can I still breastfeed after a nipple correction surgery?
If you wish to undergo nipple reduction or inversion surgery, we recommend patients to be done having children because breastfeeding can alter your results. During either of these surgeries, the milk ducts could be altered to correct the size and projection of the nipple. These ducts will be preserved for the most part, and some patients may still be able to breastfeed afterward. Other patients, however, may not be able to. If you're considering nipple reduction or inversion surgery, it's important to have realistic expectations and understand that you may not be able to breastfeed following your procedure.

Will I lose sensation of the nipple after a nipple reduction?
The vital sensory nerves of the nipple are generally deeper than the required incisions go for the surgery. Therefore, physical sensation is often retained following a nipple reduction procedure. If you have any concerns, please discuss them with Dr. Urbaniak during your private consultation.

Can I have a nipple-areola surgery at the same time as a breast lift or breast augmentation?
Certainly. Nipple-areola surgeries are commonly performed in conjunction with other breast procedures, such as breast lifts, augmentations, and reductions. Often, the entire nipple-areola complex may need to be shifted upward to suit your new breast position and shape. A combination of cosmetic procedures can be discussed with Dr. Urbaniak during your consultation.

Can men have nipple correction surgery?
Men and women both can benefit from having nipple-areola surgery. Areola reduction in particular is a common procedure for men who experience issues related to gynecomastia, which can cause men to have enlarged nipple-areola complexes. Dr. Roderick Urbaniak will work with you during your consultation to determine the best course of action that will address your concerns and reach your cosmetic goals.

If the size and shape of your nipple-areola complex makes you feel self-conscious about your appearance, Urbaniak Plastic Surgery has a solution. Nipple-areola surgery performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Roderick Urbaniak is a customized procedure that alters the size, shape, and projection of your nipple or areola depending on your unique concerns. Our Largo and Clearwater, FL cosmetic practice treats patients with a variety of concerns all throughout the greater Clearwater area. Contact our office today to achieve the balanced-looking bust you desire.