Nipple Augmentation

Nipple augmentation is a surgical procedure to change the size of the nipple. It can be performed on women or men. Fairly often, it is performed in tandem with breast augmentation. Nipple augmentation can involve one of two approaches, making it larger, or making it smaller.

A surgeon typically will do a nipple enlargement as part of a breast augmentation, in order to match the size and shape of the nipple to the increased breast size, and thereby provide a more natural appearance. Nipple enlargements can also be performed as a standalone procedure, and if that is the case are typically performed as an outpatient procedure.

Nipple reduction surgery, on the other hand, offers a safe, fast way to permanently change long or over-sized nipples. More and more patients are requesting nipple reductions, either in combination with breast augmentation, life or reduction, or as a single standalone procedure. Many women request a nipple reduction because the shape and size of their nipples has been permanently altered by breast-feeding. Also, men born with large nipples may feel self-conscious and thus elect to have nipple reduction performed so that they may feel more confident when going swimming, etc.

Nipple augmentation is typically done in tandem with breast augmentation, which can be done in one of several ways. One approach involves the insertion of a silicone bag under the breast. This placement is called “submammary.” Another approach involves inserting the silicone bag under the chest muscle. This is called “subpectoral.” Next, the bag is filled with salt water, thereby expanding the breast area, and giving the patient a fuller bosom, increased cup size, better contour, and more cleavage.

The easiest place for a plastic surgeon to place an implant is under the breast tissue, in the submammary position. The submuscular, or subpectoral, placement is slightly more difficult to perform but is associated with a lower incidence of capsule contracture and slightly lower incidence of rippling. There is typically more postoperative pain than with a submammary placement, however.

Implant size is typically a personal decision for the patient to make. Cup size is an inexact estimate of the final size, since cup sizes vary by manufacturer and fit. Describing the cup size does aid the surgeon, however, although it helps to use photos to show the plastic surgeon the desired look.

The most accurate method of estimating implant size in ounces is to fill a plastic bag with measured amounts of water, place it in a bra with the patient’s estimated cup size, and cover it with a sweater.

You can get a free consultation with a plastic surgeon in your area to learn more about your options, and to find out if breast augmentation is right for you.