What is the Nipple Areola Complex – NAC?
The nipple is commonly mistaken for the whole front “circle” of the breast. The nipple, however, is at the very centre portion of this “circle” and is linked with the mammary glands that produce milk.
The areola is the darker-colored area that surrounds the nipple. It varies in size and tends to be round or oval in shape.
What Surgeries can be performed on the Nipple Areolar Complex in Sydney?
There are four common procedures that can be performed on the nipple areolar complex (NAC). Sometimes these procedures are performed in conjunction with breast surgery itself, while in other circumstances, some can be performed on their own.
1. NIPPLE LIFT
Many patients following breast feeding or after massive weight loss suffer from ptotic (low) nipples. This is usually in conjunction with ptotic breasts overall. Enlarged or heavy breasts can also have nipples that are lying quite low or pointing inferiorly. With time, as the skin ages, the nipples can also start hanging lower or pointing downward.
During the surgical procedure (usually a Mastopexy (breast lift) or breast reduction), the nipples are lifted to a more anatomical position. The nipples may also be repositioned so that if they are too close together or too wide apart, they can achieve more natural proportions.
The crucial aspect of the surgery is to preserve the nerves and blood vessels that supply the nipples. This helps maintain sensation in the nipple and supports its breastfeeding ability. Results are immediate, and the procedure can be done on one or both breasts.
2. AREOLA CORRECTION SURGERY
Areola correction, or areola reduction surgery, is a procedure that decreases the diameter of one or both areolas. You’re also a good candidate for this surgery if your areolae are protruding or puffy.
Following weight loss, the areolae may become quite stretched, and this procedure can help reduce this stretched-out areola.The procedure also works well in cases when areolae change due to pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The procedure can be performed on its own or in conjunction with other surgeries such as mastopexy (breast lift), breast augmentation, and breast reduction. The procedure involves the removal of the circular area of the outer brown part of the areola. The skin that surrounds it is brought inward, while stitches inside the areola serve to decrease its diameter. The new areola is secured with a permanent suture, which aims to prevent it from stretching again.
3. NIPPLE REDUCTION SURGERY
Enlarged nipples, or nipple hypertrophy, happen when milk ducts develop in an enlarged way. Nipple enlargement can also be caused by breastfeeding due to repetitive suction.
Enlarged nipples can be a major source of frustration. They may lead to irritation and chafing from constant rubbing against clothes, thus causing discomfort.
The procedure includes the removal of excess parts of the nipple that contribute to its undesirable size. The main goal of the surgery is to decrease the projection, or diameter, of the nipple.
4. NIPPLE CORRECTION PROCEDURES – INVERTED NIPPLE CORRECTION IN SYDNEY
The most common nipple correction surgery addresses inverted nipples. Both men and women are affected by this condition. As a very simple procedure, nipple correction can increase confidence and improve body image. Benefits of nipple correction surgery aren’t limited to the more intimate moments but extend to greater comfort when you’re wearing close-fitting style outfits.
Inverted nipple correction is a procedure that corrects the nipple to allow it to project out in a natural way. An inverted nipple happens when the nipple is pulled inward into the breast instead of pointing outward. The ducts are overly tight and pull the nipple in.
Some of the biggest causes of inverted nipple include:
- Congenital Cause (was present at birth)
- Disease or trauma (any condition that involves inflammation may pull the nipple inward)
- Ageing
- Complications of breast surgery
- Breast duct ectasia (benign breast condition wherein a milk duct widens and its walls thicken)
- Breast cyst
- Benign breast tumour
- Subareolar abscess
- Mastitis (inflammation of breast tissue sometimes accompanied by infection)
- Infection
- Fat necrosis
An inverted nipple isn’t just an aesthetic problem; its consequences can also extend to difficulty in breastfeeding for women. A baby can find it difficult, or even impossible in some cases, to latch on to the breast and bring the nipple to their mouth.
The operation involves placing an incision along the edge of the nipple. This is done to gently release overly tight milk ducts. The nipple then projects out to its natural position. Depending on the severity of the retraction, sometimes further procedures are required to allow the nipple to protrude. The correct choice of procedure will be determined by Dr. Kumar after examination of the retracted nipple.
Am I A Good Candidate for nipple reshaping?
You may be a good candidate for nipple reshaping surgery if:
- You have a congenital abnormality affecting the nipples or you have particular concerns with their appearance.
- You have had significant weight loss, breastfeeding, enlarged breasts, ageing, poor skin quality, or genetics that have led to your nipples hanging low or pointing downwards
- You have large nipples that cause discomfort and interfere with clothing and other activities of daily living
Are you ready to book in with Dr Kumar?
Nipple Surgery and Areola Surgery Cost
After your initial consultation with Dr. Kumar, you will be given a detailed itemised quote. This will include Dr. Kumar’s fee, Anaesthetist fee, Surgical Assistant fee, and the hospital fees. We will also provide information on our in-house nipple surgery and areola surgery payment plans.
Can private health insurance be used?
If you are privately insured, then you may be able to use this for nipple surgery and areola surgery in Sydney. You may also need to get pre-approval from Medicare using the photographs taken in our rooms or photographs taken in surgery.
Your operating theatre and hospital costs, including the postoperative stay, may be covered if you have the appropriate level of coverage and qualify for a rebate. Medicare and your private insurance may also contribute to Dr. Kumar’s fees.
Individual circumstances will vary, and it is best to discuss your surgical requirements with Dr. Kumar to see if your surgery (or part of it) can be covered by your health fund.
Further Reading
Dr. Kumar was asked to give his expert advice on the ideal nipple and was featured in local and international media discussing this. You can read the article by clicking here
This complete guide to Nipple Reduction Surgery in Sydney covers everything you need to know about this procedure.
- Nipple Reduction surgery explained
- What is corrective breast surgery?
- How to assess if you are a good candidate
- How to plan for your Nipple Reduction surgery
- Answers to some of our most frequently asked question
