American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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Miss Reed
5 years ago
Answered

Inverted Nipples

Can the areola be fixed during breast augmentation surgery to be equal to the other breast? Is there a procedure to fix inverted nipples or does that all fall under breast augmentation?

Procedure: Breast Augmentation
Location: Brooklyn, NY

Replies 9

Richard Greco
ASPS Surgeon
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Can one correct asymmetry of the nipple and Areola at the same time as the augmentation? When an individual has significant asymmetry before breast augmentation surgery, implants alone may not solve the problem. If there is a difference in the size of the areola and more droop on one side than the other, an areolar reduction or a breast lift can help correct the asymmetry - while an augmentation can be performed at the same time.

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Steven Wallach
ASPS Surgeon
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Yes it is possible to reduce and match the Areola during breast augmentation. Inverted nipples if they are mild often improve just with the breast augmentation itself. If further release is necessary then a procedure can be performed at the same time.

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Steven Wallach
ASPS Surgeon
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Yes it is possible to reduce and match the Areola during breast augmentation. Inverted nipples if they are mild often improve just with the breast augmentation itself. If further release is necessary then a procedure can be performed at the same time.

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Shashidhar Kusuma
ASPS Surgeon

During any breast surgery, several things can be done at one time if necessary and agreed upon. Sometimes in mild cases, an augmentation can improve the nipple projection. In more severe cases, more needs to be done and can be done at the same time as the augmentation. As mentioned by the other surgeons above, if there is any issue with asymmetry of the position of the nipple/areola or the size, those can be addressed in which case it would be considered an augmentation and a lift. A stand alone augmentation does not correct such asymmetries. It only adds volume.

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Ronald Schuster
ASPS Surgeon
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The size of areolas can be made closer at the time of breast augmentation. Truly inverted nipples are never improved by just breast augmentation and need an additional procedure to correct them, which can certainly be done at the same time as the augmentation.

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Wilfred Brown
ASPS Surgeon

The size adjustment of the areola as well as correction of the nipple inversion can be performed either as an independent procedure, or at the same time as a breast augmentation. As noted by other surgeons, mild nipple inversion often improves following breast augmentation.

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Sutton Graham
ASPS Surgeon
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Dear Miss Reed: There a number of options available to modify one's nipple (inversion or excess prominence) or one's areola (reduce diameter, improve symmetry, improve roundness, or elevate low areolas). Most of these can readily be done at the same time as breast augmentation surgery. Breast augmentation itself refers to the placement of an implant or fat to enlarge the breast. The other modifications you ask about would be specific additional procedures. As other surgeon answers indicate, your best information will come during in-person examination and discussion with your surgeon.

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Jon Ver Halen

Dear Miss Reed,

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Yes, nipple and areolar surgery is very frequently performed at the same time as a breast augmentation. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!

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Trent Douglas
ASPS Surgeon
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Thanks for your question and doing your homework with ASPS member surgeons. There is always some difference between the breasts and improving some subtle differences can sometimes be accomplished with the use of different sized implants. When there is more extensive asymmetry a breast lift with additional incisions may be required to optimize the result. Very mild nipple inversion is often corrected with the placement of implants while more significant inversion requires surgical release which can be done at the same time as an augmentation/lift. Best wishes on a great outcome and speedy recovery!

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