Nipple Repair
Among the types of breast surgery offered by our Gainesville plastic surgeon is nipple repair surgery, which is available to patients who are dissatisfied with the current state of their nipples. At Poser Plastic Surgery Center, we believe that every patient should feel confident and comfortable in their body. We work alongside each patient to determine their goals for cosmetic surgery and to help them choose the optimal type of procedure. Our team strives to ensure that every patient is completely satisfied with the results from their procedure. If your nipples cause you discomfort, low self-esteem or embarrassment, schedule a consultation with Dr. Poser to achieve the breasts you’ve always wanted. Contact us today.
Common Types Of Nipple Surgery
The most common reasons for a patient to elect nipple repair surgery include inverted nipples and overly large nipples. Other patients may have nipples that are disproportionate to the size of their breasts or they may have nipples that are misaligned. Patients who undergo breast augmentation surgery or breast reconstruction surgery may also benefit from nipple repair procedures with Poser Plastic Surgery Center. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Nipple Inversion Surgery
Nipple repair surgery is often performed with patients who have inverted nipples. Inverted nipples can occur naturally; occur as a side effect of breastfeeding; occur from an injury, medical condition or previous surgeries; or as a result of significant weight loss. The visual aspect of inverted nipples can be embarrassing for a patient in a state of undress. The following three levels of inverted nipples may be permanently corrected with nipple repair surgery.
Grade 1 Nipple Inversion
Patients with Grade 1 inversion may not notice discomfort, experience trouble with breastfeeding or any other problems or abnormalities aside from the occurrence of nipples remaining inverted within the breast until they are manually stimulated or manually pushed outwards.
Grade 2 Nipple Inversion
Grade 2 nipple inversion consists of nipples which generally cannot become erect without manual pulling, which can cause difficulty with breastfeeding due to moderate fibrosis. This form of nipple inversion may cause greater discomfort to individuals than with the initial grade.
Grade 3 Nipple Inversion
Patients with Grade 3 nipple inversion often experience constricted milk ducts, which makes breastfeeding impossible, resulting in significant discomfort. Patients with this level of nipple inversion are also at a higher risk of infection and experiencing rashes due to the difficulty to maintain nipple hygiene and the resulting lack of care to the affected area.
Nipple Reconstruction Surgery
Following a mastectomy procedure, many patients seek breast reconstruction through breast implants or fat transfer surgery. A significant aspect regarding the reconstruction of breasts is the reconstruction of the nipple. This procedure requires the specialty of a skilled plastic surgeon to ensure a successful reconstruction to the nipples, which complement the breasts.
Nipple Reduction Surgery
Nipple reduction surgery is typically performed on patients who experience a high degree of nipple protrusion, either congenital in nature or as a result of a nipple piercing. To correct the issue of protruding nipples, nipple reduction surgery may be performed to reduce the length and/or the width of the nipple, resulting in nipples which better complement the breast and body.
How Is Nipple Repair Surgery Performed?
Nipple repair surgery is considered to be a form of outpatient surgery, and when performed as a single surgery, can be completed with a local anesthetic. Contact us for more information about nipple inversion surgery, nipple reduction surgery, and nipple reconstruction surgery.
Nipple Inversion Procedure
Nipple inversion repair surgery consists of small incisions at the base of the nipples. Once the nipple has been retracted, the areola and surrounding tissue may be repositioned and secured. Dr. Poser uses interior stitches which provide a stable foundation for the areola and nipple. Stents are used across the nipple for healing and to protect the nipple’s projection.
Nipple Reconstruction Procedure
Nipple reconstruction surgery is also available for patients who have undergone breast reconstruction. The most common type of nipple reconstruction includes the grafting of donor skin to recreate an areola and a nipple. Reconstruction surgeries are generally performed after the body has healed from any prior surgeries, including breast reconstruction.
Nipple Reduction Procedure
Nipple reduction procedures are used to reduce the size and protrusion of overly large, protruding nipples. Patients may experience discomfort with nipples that are overly long or project too far. Local anesthesia is used on the patient during the procedure to reduce the length or width of the nipple. Dr. Poser may reduce the tip of the nipple for overly protruding nipples, or remove nipple tissue in order to reduce the nipple’s width. Recovery time is brief regarding nipple reduction procedures and may cause mild bruising, swelling, and tenderness.
Recovery Following Nipple Surgery
Recovery from nipple repair surgery generally spans one week or more, and patients can expect to experience minimal discomfort and soreness to the area. Scarring may occur from a nipple repair surgery, but it is generally limited and often unnoticeable. Mild swelling and tenderness are usual, but extending discomfort or pain, as well as excessive swelling, should be reported immediately. Because it is a simple procedure, nipple repair surgery may be performed in conjunction with other breast surgeries — such as breast lift surgery, breast revision surgery, and breast augmentation surgery — but the time required for recovery will likely increase.
Candidates For Nipple Repair Surgery
As with any form of plastic surgery in Gainesville, FL, it is important that patients have realistic goals and expectations regarding the results of their nipple repair procedure. The most successful procedures are completed after a thorough consultation with Dr. Poser and involve patients who are healthy both in body and mind. To get an accurate determination regarding your eligibility for nipple repair surgery, contact us to schedule a consultation with our plastic surgeon. He will review your medical history and your goals for cosmetic among a number of other other considerations and factors, to determine your eligibility for surgery.