Dr. Katrien Lagey eg
Nipple and areola correction
The nipple and the areola determine the general appearance of the breast. An oversized areola, a nipple that protrudes too far or is inverted, can detract from the breast’s appearance. There are various procedures available to correct these cosmetic imperfections.
Areola reduction
An areola has an average diameter of 4.2 cm.
In a surgical reduction, the excess pigmented skin around the areola is removed through a 'donut' incision. Only the skin is treated: the mammary gland, milk ducts and nerve endings remain exactly the same. You can still breastfeed, and the sensitivity of the nipple and areola remain intact.
The procedure, which takes about an hour, can be performed under local anesthesia with a sedative injection, or, if you prefer, under general anesthesia.
Nipple reduction
Nipples that protrude too far can also be surgically reduced. This procedure does not even leave any scars. The milk ducts remain intact, so you will still be able to breastfeed.
However, in cases of a complete reduction of an excessively large nipple, milk ducts may be lost. Therefore, if you still wish to have children, you should discuss this with your surgeon first.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation and takes about an hour.
Inverted nipples
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A normally shaped nipple that retracts can be corrected quite easily. The milk ducts remain intact and there are no scars.
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A nipple that is poorly formed during puberty is more difficult to correct. Keep in mind that after this procedure, it will likely no longer be possible to breastfeed.
Both procedures are performed under local anesthesia and take approximately 30 to 75 minutes.
After the procedure
After the procedure, you may go home with your driver. There is a wound plaster on the nipple with which you may shower. You will receive a letter with advice to promote good healing and an appointment to have the stitches removed after a week. There will be swelling and possibly bruising for the first few days.
The result
After about 3 months, the scars will fade from a pink line to a fine white line that is barely visible, if at all.
