Medical description
Areola and nipple surgery covers several short procedures designed to harmonise this area, in women and men alike. Areola reduction decreases the diameter of an areola considered too wide or asymmetrical. Nipple reduction decreases its height or diameter when it is too prominent. Correction of an inverted nipple aims to draw out a nipple that is turned inwards, which can interfere with hygiene or self-image. These procedures can be performed on their own or combined with another breast operation. A recently appearing abnormality, such as a nipple that is retracting, must first be medically assessed to rule out an underlying cause.
What the procedure can correct
- Areolas that are too wide or asymmetrical
- Nipples that are too long or too prominent
- Inverted or retracted nipples
- Puffy or poorly defined areolas
- Aesthetic concerns about the areola area
The ideal candidate
An adult woman or man in good health, bothered by the appearance of their areolas or nipples, with realistic expectations. For women, a recent breast assessment is desirable, and the procedure is preferably performed outside pregnancy and breastfeeding. Correcting an inverted nipple may compromise future breastfeeding, which should be discussed before deciding.
The technique
The procedure is generally performed under local anaesthesia, without hospital admission. To reduce the areola, the surgeon removes a ring of skin at its edge and closes with a circular purse-string suture that limits widening of the scar. The nipple is reduced by a targeted skin excision. For an inverted nipple, the surgeon releases the fibrous bands holding it in, sometimes dividing certain ducts, then holds it in position. A protective dressing is applied for a few days.
Your stay, step by step
- 1
Arrival and consultation
Welcome by your coordinator, examination and pre-operative consultation with the practitioner, who confirms the treatment plan.
- 2
Procedure
Local · 0.5–1 h
- 3
Back to the hotel
Day-case treatment: you return to your hotel the same day, accompanied.
- 4
Check-up before departure
Follow-up visit, care, instructions and prescription before your flight home. Recommended stay: 3–5 days.
- 5
Remote follow-up
Back home, you send your photos and stay in touch with the practitioner through your patient area, for up to 12 months.
Risks and recovery
The usual after-effects are straightforward: slight pain, swelling and small scabs on the sutures. Possible complications are infection, haematoma, widening or loss of pigment in the scar, asymmetry, changes in sensation, recurrence of the inversion and impaired ability to breastfeed. Your surgeon will explain these in detail during the consultation.
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and does not replace a medical consultation. Every procedure carries risks; the indication is made by the practitioner after examination, and results vary from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
Are the scars visible?
They are placed at the junction between the areola and the skin or on the nipple, where the difference in colour makes them discreet. They fade gradually, although their quality varies from one skin type to another.
Can an inverted nipple turn inwards again?
Recurrence is possible, particularly in the most marked cases. The technique chosen by the surgeon aims to limit this risk by carefully releasing the attachments.
Is this procedure also for men?
Yes, areola or nipple reduction is also requested by men, either on its own or in addition to a gynaecomastia correction.
