Areola Reduction Westmount

Inverted nipples are a common occurrence among women, and can be the source of both physical issues as well as self consciousness. Inverted nipples may be present in 10% of women. There are widely varying degrees of nipple inversion; inverted nipples are divided into three levels of severity. o Stage I inverted nipples may be inverted at rest, but the nipples will become projected with cold or stimulation. o Stage II inverted nipples are inverted at rest, and can be everted or projected physically with manual traction. o  Stage III inverted nipples are always inverted, and never come out. Inverted nipples may affect one nipple (unilateral nipple inversion) or both nipples (bilateral nipple inversion). The degree of inverted nipples may be the same on both sides (symmetric nipple inversion) commonly differs from one side to the other (asymmetric nipple inversion).

Nonsurgical treatments for nipple enlargement are ineffective. Nipple reduction surgery is a simple procedure that can be done under local anesthesia in the office. Once injected, the procedure is painless and performed in less than one hour. Small incisions are made right on the nipple and the excess nipple tissue removed. Nipple reduction can also combined with other breast procedures such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, or breast lifts. Several techniques exist. Dr Chen Lee uses the shape and length of the nipple, degree nipple prominence, and the patients desire to breast feed in the future to recommend the specific technique. Methods that transect the lactiferous ducts are highly effective and aesthetically pleasing. However, future breast feeding may not be possible. For patients wishing to breast feed in the future, duct preservation can be maintained with circumferential removal of a strip of skin around the neck of the nipple. Nipple reduction is more modest however duct continuity increases the likelihood that breast feeding will be preserved. Nipple sensation is not altered with either technique.