Nipple Correction Surgery

Many women will have noticed small lumps or bumps that sit on the areola, surrounding the nipple.  These are known as Montgomery Glands. These small bumps come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are entirely normal.  They secrete a small amount of natural oil to keep the areola lubricated.  These bumps can change sizes and colour over time, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

However, while these bumps are typically normal it is always wise to consult your GP if you notice any change to your breasts.

Supernumerary Nipples are better known as “third” or “extra” nipples.  Some people often have two or more extra nipples, however, this is a condition that affects less than 0.2% of the population.

Many breast surgery procedures require Nipple Surgery to correctly place the nipple on the altered breast.  Changing the size of the nipple and/or areola, and the placement is important to create a natural, balanced look.

Dr. Robert Drielsma aims to preserve nipple sensation while creating a beautiful look, however, as with all surgery, there are some risks involved.  If you want to breastfeed in the future, it is important to tell your surgeon during your consultation so that you can discuss the best methods to retain nipple functionality

Breast Augmentation does not always require nipple surgery.  Generally, after Breast Augmentation, your nipples naturally may appear higher on your chest immediately after surgery.  This will eventually improve as the implants settle into place and swelling subsides.

Some women report larger, less prominent areola and less feeling in the nipple after breast enhancement surgery but that is not the result for every woman – each person and each surgery are different. This lack of feeling – or, in some case, hypersensitivity – may continue for the first few months after your surgery but, in most cases, will return to normal as healing progresses.

The nipple and areola seem to be most affected during Breast Reduction as this usually requires the nipple to be relocated and the areola reduced in size. This is especially true during combined breast reduction and breast lift surgery.

Depending on the location of your nipple, breast reduction and/or breast lift surgery may require a relocation of the nipple. This will affect the sensation and functionality of the nipple so it is important that you discuss with Dr Drielsma your plans for a family and to breastfeed in the future.

Dr. Drielsma will preserve the attachment of the nipple and keep the blood supply and nerves in place as much as possible. However, the further the nipple needs to be moved the greater the risk of lost sensation, impairing the blood and milk supply.

As with Breast Augmentation, many women find the relocation of their nipple to be more aesthetically pleasing, with better-balanced proportions.

Nipple Reduction Surgery

Nipple Reduction Surgery involves removing a doughnut of nipple tissue from around the nipple base. Dr. Drielsma performs nipple reduction under a local or general anesthetic.

Oversized stretched or unevenly shaped areolas can also be remedied under local anesthetic by removing a doughnut-shaped piece of skin around the areola or nipple.

Overly large and puffy nipples can be part of natural breast development or can follow breastfeeding.  They often present as cracked, bleeding or uncomfortable nipples.  This can be remedied by surgically removing the excess nipple projection and reducing the width of the nipple. This surgery can also be done under local anesthetic and is unlikely to affect future breastfeeding.

You must remember that all surgery will result in scarring in one form or another.  Nipple Surgery is no different.  Your level of scarring will depend on a variety of factors, including incision methods and genetic disposition to scarring.  However, most scarring related to nipple surgery will fade over time as you heal and is likely to be less prominent than scarring from other breast surgeries.