What exactly is meant by puffy areolas and inverted nipples?

Puffy areolas are areolas that puff out when in a relaxed state. While this deformity can appear without any other deformities, puffy areolas are also commonly seen with tubular breast deformity and in men who aggressively weight train.

An inverted nipple may appear flat or as a hole or slit-like depression. Inverted nipples, one or both nipples that are sunken into the breast and point inwards instead of protruding outwards, can be a major source of physical and emotional embarrassment for both men and women and can affect normal sexual function and self-esteem. Inverted nipples usually look flat, or cause a depression into the nipple area. One of the major problems is the inability to breast feed because of inverted nipples.



What are the reasons for inverted nipples?

Most cases of inverted nipples are congenital — some people are just born that way. However, some nipples become inverted after breastfeeding when scar tissue builds in the milk ducts. Nipples that become inverted after birth are usually caused by one of three things: not enough skin at the base of the nipple, constricted milk ducts, or scarring of the milk ducts due to breastfeeding.

Sometimes nipples are enlarged simply due to genetics or develop after childbirth and breastfeeding.

Corrective surgery can restore the nipple and areola to a naturally-projecting, beautiful appearance.

Am I a good candidate for Nipple and/ or areola correction surgery?

If you're physically and mentally healthy, 18 years of age or older, not currently pregnant or nursing, have realistic expectations, and desire any of the following, you are be a good candidate:

• Correction of inverted nipples
• Reduction of enlarged nipples
• Reduction of enlarged areolas
• Treatment of puffy or protuberant areolas

How is surgery for the inverted nipples performed?

The surgery consists of a small incision at the base of the nipple while the nipple is in a protected projected state. Then a gentle spreading of the fibers is performed within the nipple (these fibers are what pulls the nipple outward). Special care is taken: the spreading happens parallel to the milk ducts in order to preserve them.

Once the fibers are spread and the nipple is free and in an outward, normal position, special sutures (stitches) are placed inside the nipple. If you think of a clock, the sutures go from the 12:00 position to the 6:00 position. Another set of sutures go from the 3:00 position to the 9:00 position. A third suture goes around the base of the nipple. This adds stability and strength to the base of the nipple and helps retain its outward projection.

Finally a special stent, is placed over the nipple. This stent actually holds your nipple in place and ensures that the nipple heals in an outward position, retaining the integrity gained through the surgery. Not only does it help with the nipples' projection, it also protects the nipple in the healing stages. This stent is left on for one to three days.

The sutures dissolve within 10 to 14 days and the initial incision will not be noticeable. To date, none of the nipples corrected have reverted.

How is nipple reduction surgery performed?

First, the doctor will determine which part of the nipple needs to be reduced. Depending on the shape of the nipple this could be a reduction in length, a reduction in width, or both. This is often performed under a local anesthesia.

Length reduction

Nipples that are too long either droop down or project too far out can be shortened. Usually, to create a shorter nipple length, the tip of the nipple will be removed and sutured for closure. Sometimes the skin along the neck of the nipple will be removed. In those circumstances, the tip of the nipple is then sutured to the bottom of the nipple, creating a shorted nipple length.

Width reduction

If the nipple is too wide (or thick), but not too long, a pie-shaped wedge will be removed from the undersurface of the nipple. This allows the nipple to be "taken in" and the circumference reduced. Dissolving sutures are used.

Length and Width reduction

For some people the nipple may be too wide and too long. In those cases, both procedures are performed.

Recovery

Recovery time will depend on the patient, but most patients can resume their normal activity within a day or two. Patients can shower the day after surgery. Dissolving sutures are used.

How is areola reduction surgery performed?

Areolar Reduction is done by removing some of the pigmented areola, either by an incision around the outside of the areola or by an incision around the base of the nipple. Very large areolas may require a lollypop-shaped closure. This is where a vertical incision runs down from the nipple as well as around the areola and then is closed in the shape of a lollypop.

The goal is to minimize scarring and this is achieved by performing the smallest incision necessary. Dissolving sutures are placed underneath the skin - these minimize scarring as well as eliminate the need to come for suture removal.

Recovery time will depend on the patient, but most patients can return to work and resume their normal activity within a day or two.

How is the treatment for puffy areola done?

Puffy areolar reduction is done by removing some of the pigmented areola, either by an incision around the outside of the areola or by an incision around the base of the nipple, depending on the degree of puffiness. Once the incision is made, a small portion of the areola is removed and the areola skin is lifted, reducing the puffiness. Dissolving sutures are placed underneath the skin - these minimize scarring as well as eliminate the need to come back into the office for a "painful suture removal day."

Recovery

Recovery time will depend on the patient, but most patients can return to work and resume their normal activity within a day or two

Most of our patients can go for nipple and areola correction surgery with breast augmentation or breast reduction or breast lift surgery. You can also combine it with the facial surgery of your choice. You can choose between various trips to India combined with the procedure. You can also combine it with preventive health checks and other Ayurveda treatments or cosmetic procedures.

• Please fill and mail us enquiry form.
• You can choose to combine the procedure with a or preventive health checks Ayurveda beautification or rejuvenation packages except any procedure to do with the eyes and/or side trip in India.
• Your case manager will get back to you with the details and our expert surgeon’s opinion.
• The case manager would make a detailed itinerary for you, with the quote.