Nipple Reduction
This refers to the reduction in the mound of the nipple.
The Procedure
This refers to the reduction in the mound of the nipple. This technique is occasionally performed in male patients who have excessive protrusion of their nipples.
The procedure involves excising a segment of the nipple form the lower half of the front surface of the nipple in combination with tissue from the underside of the nipple. The end of the nipple is then folded over the remainder of the nipple to close the raw area and reduce the prominence of the nipple.
The procedure is generally performed under local anaesthetic.
The patient is recommended to keep the nipples clean and dry for 48 hours and the sutures are generally removed at 10 days post-operatively.
This procedure can also be performed in female patients but would result in the inability to breast feed in the future.
Please note the reduction of the diameter and size of the areolar is termed a “mastopexy” or “breast lift”. Please refer to the relevant section of this website.
Complications and Risks
All Procedures have potential complications and risks. These can be divided into general complications and those specific to each procedure. The latter are listed in the FAQs below.
General complications include:
- Wound complications - bleeding, bruising, collections under the skin of blood (haematoma), pus (abscess), serous fluid (seroma), infection, wound breakdown, suture extrusion, sensory loss;
- Aesthetic complications - poor scars, stretched scars, raised scars (keloid or hypertrophic), contour irregularities, need for revisional procedure;
- Anaesthetic complications
FAQs
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What are the potential risks?
The risks will be discussed with you in detail before you consent to the operation. The risks can be broken down into general risks associated with any operation, and those specific to nipple reduction.
General operative risks include anaesthetic complications, bruising, bleeding, infection, wound breakdown and abnormal scarring.
Specific complications include: changes in sensation of the nipple and breast skin, asymmetry, interference with breast feeding (female patients), skin, fat or nipple necrosis (loss).
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What costs are involved?
- Dr Belt’s surgical fee
- Theatre fee
Rebates are available through both Medicare and Private Health Funds.
Please contact Dr. Belt’s rooms and his staff can answer any questions you may have. A personalised quote and information can be sent to you regarding your procedure.
