Nipple deformity surgery corrects shape abnormalities other than inversion, such as asymmetry, double nipple and enlarged nipple. Inverted and flat nipples are covered on a separate page.
Apart from inversion, nipples can have several kinds of shape abnormality. These include asymmetry, where the two nipples differ in size, position or projection; double nipple, where one nipple is split in two or there are two nipples within one areola; enlarged nipple, where the nipple is excessively large relative to the areola and breast; and the domed nipple of tuberous breasts, which rises up together with the areola.
Each type of shape abnormality has a different cause and structure, so they cannot all be corrected the same way. The excision pattern differs depending on whether the size needs reducing, the position moving, two nipples merging into one, or raised tissue tidying, and it must be designed within a range that preserves the milk ducts, sensation and blood supply.
Atelier Plastic Surgery has published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery a technique that refines the domed nipple of tuberous breasts with a petal pattern, and a technique that contours the nipple and areola with a crown-shape excision. Inverted and flat nipples are covered on a separate page, and correction of tuberous breasts themselves on the tuberous breast page.
The larger side is reduced or projection is created on the smaller side, and if needed the position is adjusted through an areolar incision to match the two sides. Whether excision or repositioning takes the lead depends on whether the difference is in size or in position.
The split nipple or the additional nipple tissue is excised and the shape is tidied into a single nipple. The milk ducts and blood supply of the side to be kept are preserved, and the closure line is designed to follow the grain of the nipple.
Both the length and the width are reduced to restore proportion with the areola and breast. Because the amount removed is large, the excision pattern is planned to preserve blood supply and sensation. Details are on the nipple reduction page.
A method that refines the domed nipple of tuberous breasts, which rises up together with the areola, using a petal-shaped excision pattern to contour the nipple. It is a technique Dr. Juyoung Go published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2024) and is performed together with tuberous breast correction.
A small accessory nipple remaining outside the areola or below the breast is excised and closed. Because it is small, this is done under local anesthesia, and if it accompanies axillary accessory breast tissue, both are addressed together.
These may vary depending on your condition; we will give you precise details at your consultation.
The excision pattern differs depending on whether the problem is one of size, position, number, or a raised structure. At consultation we measure the height, diameter and position of the nipple and its proportion to the areola and breast to determine which applies.
The petal pattern for refining a domed nipple and the crown-shape excision pattern for contouring the nipple and areola are methods Dr. Juyoung Go has published in an international journal and presented at conferences in Korea and abroad. We choose and apply the pattern that fits the shape.
The nipple is a small structure in which milk ducts, sensory nerves and blood vessels are concentrated, so the more that is removed, the greater the chance of sensory change, effects on breastfeeding and reduced blood supply. We confirm your future breastfeeding plans before deciding the location and amount of excision.
Nipple shape abnormalities often occur together with tuberous breasts, an enlarged areola or breast asymmetry. Correcting only the nipple can leave the proportions with the rest out of balance, so we look at the shape of the whole breast and plan the necessary surgery together.
If the surgery was done under local anesthesia or sedation, you can go home the same day. A protective dressing is applied to the nipple area, and pressure and friction are avoided.
There may be swelling, bruising and a tingling feeling at the closure. Take the prescribed medication and keep the dressing in place.
You visit so we can check the closure and the blood supply to the nipple. Showering becomes possible depending on the state of the wound.
Stitches are removed. Much of the swelling has subsided and most daily activities are possible.
The shape begins to stabilize, and the closure line may look red. Scar care begins, and if there is any change in sensation, we monitor its progress.
The swelling is completely gone and the final shape and sensation stabilize. We check the balance and shape of both sides and discuss further adjustment if needed.
After nipple deformity correction, bleeding, infection, separation of the closure, swelling and bruising may occur. Because the excision passes through areas carrying the nipple's sensory nerves, sensation may become dull or heightened; this usually recovers over several months, though in some cases it may remain for a long time. If the milk ducts are damaged during excision, breastfeeding may become difficult, so please tell us at consultation if you plan to have children or breastfeed. In the correction of an enlarged or double nipple, where the amount removed is large, nipple tissue may rarely be damaged by reduced blood supply. After correction, differences in size, height or position between the two sides may remain or newly appear, and there may be a scar along the closure line, a change in which reduced projection makes the nipple look inverted, and, in the case of a domed nipple, a tendency to rise again over time. Depending on the result, revision surgery may be needed; outcomes vary by individual, and we explain everything fully at consultation.
The content on this page is general medical information provided in accordance with the Medical Service Act. The results of surgery and treatments and the recovery period may vary by individual. All surgeries and treatments carry a risk of side effects, so please decide after a thorough consultation with a specialist.
Correction that weighs the degree of inversion and duct preservation together
Learn more Related Tuberous breastTuberous breast correction that addresses the narrow base and the high fold together
Learn more Related Nipple reductionNipple reduction that looks at length and width separately
Learn more Related Areola reductionAreola reduction that sets the diameter to fit the size of the breast
Learn moreConsultations are conducted by the Director herself. Schedule one by phone or KakaoTalk, or leave an online consultation request.
