NIPPLE REPAIR
- Conditions that Nipple Surgery can correct
- Recovery
Beautiful, well-positioned, and elegant nipples are an important goal for women looking to achieve a beautiful breast appearance. If you are not happy with the appearance of your nipples or the dark skin around them (the areola), you should take the time to learn more about nipple repair surgery at our Chicago cosmetic surgery practice. Dr. Patel understands how the nipple area of a woman’s anatomy can have a big impact on her satisfaction with her breasts. Our specialized team have experience in improving the aesthetics of the nipple and take this job seriously. Nipple repair correction can also be done as part of another breast enhancement procedure.
We offer inverted nipple surgery in Chicago, inverted nipple treatment, nipple correction surgery, areola reduction surgery in Chicago, Barrington, Oak Brook, Orland Park.
The difference in procedures is the extent of scarring. Flaps are used during a simple lift procedure. Fat transfer is used for patients who desire a more fullness over their buttock area. During the fat transfer procedure, the removed fat is placed deeply within the muscle and in many different layers to create a smooth surface without irregularities. It is common for surgeons to perform liposuction as well to enhance the shape of the buttocks.
Fat grafting has changed buttock enhancement to be a simpler procedure, performed within 1.5 hours, with minimal pain, discomfort, and recovery time. Candidates for this surgery are usually 18 years or older and in good physical health.
BRAZILIAN BUTT LIFT PRE-OPERATION
If you are a smoker, your surgeon will strongly urge you to quit at least six weeks before your surgery as smoking can interfere with the healing process and the viability of the fat grafts. Also, medications that can increase the risk of bleeding should be stopped. As this surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia, it’s important to arrange for transportation.
Recovery timeline
Nipple repair recovery timelines vary, but you can expect to feel sore for a few days and wear a protective bra for at least six weeks. Most swelling and bruising resolve within one to two weeks. You can typically shower after 48 hours but should avoid soaking, bathtubs, and strenuous exercise for two to six weeks. For more extensive procedures or reconstruction, the timeline extends, with full healing and settling of projection taking several months to a year.
First Days & Week
- Rest: Rest is crucial in the first few days to support healing.Â
- Soreness & Discomfort: Expect some soreness, which can be managed with prescribed medication.Â
- Dressing: Keep the surgical area clean and dry.Â
- Showering: You can usually shower after 48 hours, but avoid soaking or bathtubs.Â
- Swelling: Swelling and bruising are common but should improve gradually.Â
Weeks 2-4
- Increased Activity: You can slowly increase your activity level but should still avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for up to six weeks.Â
- Discomfort: Pain and burning sensations will decrease as bruising fades.Â
- Stitches: If your stitches are not dissolvable, they are often removed in this timeframe.Â
- Bra: You will need to wear a supportive bra for at least six weeks to protect the repair.Â
Long-Term Recovery (Months 1-6)
- Tissue Maturation: Scar tissue will soften, and the nipple projection will gradually settle.Â
- Sensitivity: You may have altered sensation in the area, which can take time to normalize.Â
- Sun Protection: Protect the area from direct sun exposure to prevent scarring.Â
- Tattooing: Nipple or areola tattooing can be considered after the area is fully healed, typically at least three months post-op.Â
have a question?
Quick answers to questions you may have
What is nipple reconstruction?
Nipple reconstruction is a surgical procedure to rebuild a nipple and areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple) that has been removed due to breast cancer, injury, or other conditions. It is often the final stage of breast reconstruction surgery.Â
Does a reconstructed nipple have sensation?
Reconstructed nipples typically do not have the same sensation as a natural nipple, and they will not react to temperature or arousal.Â
What causes inverted or flat nipples?
Inverted nipples can be caused by various factors, including short milk ducts, adhesions from scar tissue, or developmental differences. In rare cases, a new or sudden inversion can be a sign of an underlying medical condition and should be checked by a doctor.Â
How long is the recovery for nipple reduction?
The recovery period is relatively short, often just one to two weeks, with many people able to return to work in just a few days. Strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks.Â
What is the recovery process like?
Recovery is usually brief, and the procedure is often performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. Patients may experience some soreness, bruising, and swelling for a few days. Strenuous activity should be avoided for a couple of weeks.Â
CONDITIONS THAT NIPPLE SURGERY CAN CORRECT
Inverted Nipples
Many women have nipples that are inverted intermittently or constantly. It is often a source of concern and self consciousness.
Inverted nipples are caused by tight and shortened breast duct tissue. The inverted nipples can be corrected surgically by the release of the foreshortened ducts, in many cases with minimally invasive technique. Correction of nipple inversion may be performed as an isolated procedure or in combination with other breast surgeries.
Long (floppy) Nipples
Many women have nipples that become long, dark and sometimes wide in girth. This can be a result of prolonged breast feeding or can be part of normal development of the breast. This can be associated with normal breasts or sometimes with droopy breasts with wider areola (brown).
The condition is far more common in Asian women. It is not a painful condition but seems to become an issue in women who wish to undergo breast augmentation as the nipples become very obvious.
Procedure
Nipple surgery is performed in the fully accredited surgical facility, most often requiring local anesthesia only.
Recovery
Recovery from nipple surgery is rapid and return to work is often within one to three days following surgery.
Dr. Dhaval Patel is an accomplished Double Board Certified Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon, who is skillful enough to restore your youthfulness which has been lost with the effects of aging & gravity. He is the man behind the famous Chicago Institute of Plastic Surgery.
Our breast surgeons perform inverted nipple surgery, nipple correction surgery in Chicago, St Charles, Naperville, Elgin, Schaumburg, Oak Brook, Barrington.
Board certified breast surgeons perform nipple correction surgery, areola reduction surgery, inverted nipple treatment in Chicago, Naperville, St Charles, Elgin, Barrington, Schaumburg, Oak Brook.
