Nipple Reconstruction Surgery FAQs

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Nipple Reconstruction Surgery Frequently Asked Questions– 

Dr. Ali is a prominent board certified plastic surgeon in the greater Birmingham, MI area, with decades of experience and thousands of satisfied patients. With over 20 years in practice and extensive training, Dr. Ali is a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons, and has been rated Top Doc by Hour Detroit Magazine multiple years in a row. In this article, Dr. Ali discusses nipple reconstruction surgery, and answers some frequently asked questions about the nipple reconstruction procedure.

How is Nipple Reconstruction Surgery Performed?

Most often, the nipple is constructed from a flap of skin on the top of the breast, such as what is called the C-V and skate flaps. These procedures can be performed as an outpatient. The scar-based modified C-V flap can be performed for nipple reconstruction and scar revision at the same time.

Reconstruction of the areola is performed using a full-thickness circular skin graft from a different location on the patient’s body, for instance, the bra roll, a C-section scar, or even sometimes the inner thigh. Using a skin graft allows the areola to maintain a distinct topography from the rest of the breast, and it also enables the physician to hide some of the scars left by the mastectomy.

Does Nipple Reconstruction Surgery Require Hospitalization?

Nipple reconstruction surgery is almost always performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that a hospital stay is not necessary.

What Type of Anesthesia is Used for Nipple Reconstruction Surgery?

Generally, nipple reconstruction surgery is performed using a local anesthetic. Dr. Ali will inject a medication that numbs the area where the reconstructed nipple will be located. Under a local anesthetic, you will be awake during the procedure, although you will likely be given a medication to allow you to relax.

In the event Dr. Ali feels that a general anesthesia would be preferable, you will be given an IV (intravenous infusion), which would be inserted into a vein in your hand or arm and taped securely in place. Along with the anesthesia, a medication to relax you is inserted through the IV line. With this type of anesthesia, you will be asleep during the procedure.

Can I have Nipple Reconstruction Surgery During Chemotherapy?

Usually, nipple reconstruction surgery is the final stage of breast reconstruction. Chemotherapy is usually completed before breast reconstruction is commenced. Most doctors want the patient to be fully recovered from their mastectomy and effects of chemotherapy before beginning the reconstruction process.

Are There Non-Surgical Alternatives to Nipple Reconstruction?

Nipple tattoos are becoming an increasingly popular option for women who have undergone breast reconstruction surgery after cancer. Techniques have improved to the point where it is difficult to tell the difference.  Dr. Ali can refer you to a specialized nipple tattoo expert who can create extremely natural-looking 3D tattoos using medical tattooing.

How Long is Recovery from Nipple Reconstruction Surgery?

Recovery time depends upon the technique selected. If you decide upon a tattoo, you can return to work the very next day.

The surgical flap technique is a little bit more involved, and the length of recovery depends upon the location of where the skin graft is taken. Generally, the area around the newly-constructed nipple and areola are for the most part insensate, so most patients report minimal discomfort.

When the flap technique is used, patients normally take a few days for the initial healing and then can return to work. However, you should wait from two to four weeks before intense exercise is resumed, in order for the surgical scars to heal properly. In the meantime, gentle exercise such as walking is encouraged, and you can begin to walk as soon as the evening of the procedure if you feel up to it.

Is Nipple Reconstruction Surgery Permanent?

While nipple reconstruction surgery is considered to be permanent, the newly created nipples may flatten a bit after a length of time, and tattoos can fade somewhat. Additional procedures down the road to maintain the projection or color are not unusual, and are happily performed by our Birmingham surgical team – to keep your breast and nipples looking beautiful and natural.

Will My Insurance Cover Nipple Reconstruction Surgery?

If you are having reconstruction done post-mastectomy, both surgical and non-surgical options for nipple and/or areola reconstruction are generally covered by insurance companies.

While this article answers many questions you may have, if you are considering surgery to reconstruct your nipples, no doubt you have more. It is important that you select a surgeon in whom you have confidence, who will take the time needed to explain all of your options and put you at ease, and with whom you feel completely comfortable. If you live in or near the greater Birmingham, MI area and are considering nipple reconstruction surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ali to discuss your unique situation and the best options available to you.

Typically nipple tattoo experts do not take insurance, but do provide information to the patient so that they can submit to their insurance for reimbursement.

Nipple Reconstruction Surgery – Birmingham, MI

Dr. Ali is a board certified Macomb County area plastic surgeon who has helped countless women get the breast appearance they love after breast reconstruction with nipple reconstruction surgery. He will offer you a consultation to answer your questions and offer you understanding advice about your nipple reconstruction options.

If you are a warrior who has undergone a mastectomy after battling breast cancer, we are here to help you improve your nipples’ appearance. Live your best life, feeling attractive and confident in your appearance, with beautiful nipples.

Birmingham, MI Nipple Reconstruction Surgery Consultation: 248-335-7200

Nipple Reconstruction After Breast Reconstruction Surgery

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Nipple Reconstruction After Mastectomy & Breast Reconstruction– 

After a mastectomy, most women choose to have nipple reconstruction surgery to completely finish reconstruction of their breast.

No matter how skilled the plastic surgeon, surgically created nipples will never react like or have the same sensation as do natural nipples. However, the appearance of recreated nipples look very much like natural ones, and that can give women who have undergone breast cancer reconstruction procedures a sense of “completeness.”

Dr. Azhar Ali is a prominent board certified plastic surgeon in the Macomb County, Michigan area, with decades of experience and a host of satisfied patients. Dr. Ali has extensive experience reconstructing breasts and nipples for women who have had mastectomies, and employs the latest cutting-edge techniques to achieve the most natural appearance possible. In this article, Dr. Ali discusses the basic elements of nipple reconstruction.

Nipple Reconstruction Surgery Techniques

Breast reconstruction is usually performed in multiple stages. Nipple reconstruction involves recreating a nipple, and usually the areola (the pigmented tissue surrounding the nipple) at the apex of the breast mound. There are both surgical and non-surgical options for the nipple reconstruction, depending on the patient’s goals.

Most often, the nipple is constructed from a flap of skin on the top of the breast, such as what is called the C-V and skate flaps. These procedures can be performed as an outpatient. The scar-based modified C-V flap can be performed for nipple reconstruction and scar revision at the same time.

Reconstruction of the areola is performed using a full-thickness circular skin graft from a different location on the patient’s body, for instance, the bra roll, a C-section scar, or even sometimes the inner thigh. Using a skin graft allows the areola to maintain a distinct topography from the rest of the breast, and it also enables the physician to hide some of the scars left by the mastectomy.

Reattachment during Nipple Reconstruction Surgery

Many women ask whether their own nipples can be reattached to their reconstructed breasts. In some cases, the answer is yes. In others, it is not possible. The decision must be made prior to the mastectomy, since once it is removed, the nipple cannot be reattached months later. That being said, there are a number of techniques available that allow for the nipple to be reattached at the time of the mastectomy.

The Best Time for Nipple Reconstruction Surgery

Nipple and areola reconstructions most commonly occur as the final phase of breast reconstruction, usually about 3-4 months post-surgery, allowing the new breast time to heal. Surgery to reconstruct the nipple and areola is a separate surgery, and can be done as an outpatient procedure.

Complete mastectomies are only one reason for breast reconstruction and subsequent nipple and areola reconstruction. These procedures may also be appropriate following a central lumpectomy, where the breast itself is preserved, but the nipple and/or areola are compromised. Similarly, nipple/areola reconstruction may occur following oncoplastic reductions (where the tumor actually involves the nipple) or even non-cancer operations where the areola and/or the nipple have been altered.

Nipple Reconstruction is Not Mandatory

As with each aspect of breast reconstruction, whether or not to restore the nipple is a personal choice. While it can be done as soon as three months after the initial breast reconstruction, there is no time limit determining when nipple or areola reconstruction procedures can be safely or effectively performed. Many women want to have the procedure done as soon as is possible, but some wait a considerable amount of time – even five to ten years – to undergo the procedure. And, some women elect to forego the reconstruction altogether.

Alternatives to Nipple Reconstruction Surgery

Nipple tattoos are becoming an increasingly popular option for women who have undergone breast reconstruction surgery after cancer. Techniques have improved to the point where it is difficult to tell the difference. Dr. Ali can refer you to a specialized nipple tattoo expert who can create extremely natural-looking 3D tattoos using medical tattooing.

The decision to have nipple reconstruction surgery is extremely personal. There are many options available, and it is important for you to be completely comfortable with the procedure itself, and more importantly, with the surgeon who will perform it.

Dr. Ali has the experience, artistic skill and technical expertise necessary to enhance your appearance and accomplish your goals, as he has done with a host of satisfied patients. If you live in or near the Macomb County, Michigan area and are considering nipple reconstruction surgery, give us a call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ali to discuss what options may be available to you.

Best Macomb County Nipple Reconstruction Surgery

Dr. Ali is a board certified Macomb County area plastic surgeon who has helped countless women get the breast appearance they love after breast reconstruction with nipple reconstruction surgery. He will offer you a consultation to answer your questions and offer you understanding advice about your nipple reconstruction options.

If you are a warrior who has undergone a mastectomy after battling breast cancer, we are here to help you improve your nipples’ appearance. Live your best life, feeling attractive and confident in your appearance, with beautiful nipples.

Macomb County Nipple Reconstruction Surgery Consultation: 248-335-7200

What to Expect After Nipple Correction Surgery

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What to Expect During Recovery from Nipple Correction Surgery– 

Dr. Ali is a renowned Oakland County board certified plastic surgeon who has performed hundreds of nipple correction surgeries. In this article, Dr. Ali discusses what to expect during the nipple correction surgery recovery period.

How Long is Recovery from Nipple Correction Surgery?

Most patients report that the recovery takes place gradually, but by about six weeks, they are back to normal. Taking care of yourself right after surgery and getting plenty of rest is key to a successful recovery.

As with any surgery, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home from your procedure since you will have received anesthesia and pain medications. Upon arrival at home, you should plan to rest and relax – no strenuous exercise for at least a week, and optimally more. Over several weeks, you will be able to return to your normal activities, but you should do so gradually. Give yourself plenty of time to heal.

What Can I Expect During Recovery from Nipple Correction Surgery?

You will be told to wear a post-surgical compression bra that will keep your breasts in place while they heal. The compression bra will likely be worn for six weeks or so. Dr. Ali will let you know when you may wear your normal bra again.

Your nipples will be sore after the procedure, and most patients find it best to sleep on their backs. Some report that triangle pillows or cushions help them to rest most comfortably.

Don’t be concerned if your nipples seem misshapen for a while after the surgery. Most patients experience some swelling, and that hides the result of the corrective surgery. As the swelling subsides, your nipples will begin to take on the natural, improved appearance that you desire. Final results should be seen in about a month or so.

Will I Have a Scar after Nipple Correction Surgery?

There is always scarring with any incision. However, a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali takes great care to position the scar around the areola so it is virtually undetectable. This scar actually also helps to hold and maintain the shape of the areola.

Best Oakland County Nipple Correction Surgery

The decision to have nipple correction surgery is extremely personal. You want to be completely comfortable with the procedure itself, and more importantly, with the surgeon who will perform it. No matter how outstanding a surgeon’s qualifications are, if you are not comfortable with him or her, you should look for someone who is completely the right fit.

Dr. Ali has the experience, artistic skill and technical expertise necessary to enhance your appearance and accomplish your goals, as he has done with a host of satisfied patients. If you live in or near Macomb County, Michigan and are considering nipple correction surgery, give us a call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ali to discuss what options may be available to you.

Dr. Ali is a board certified Macomb County area plastic surgeon who has helped countless women get the breast appearance the love with nipple correction surgery. He will offer you a consultation to answer your questions and offer you understanding advice about your nipple correction surgery options.

Whether you simply dislike the position of your nipples, or you received poor implant surgery results from another surgeon, or you have undergone a mastectomy after battling breast cancer, we are here to help you improve your nipples’ appearance. Live your best life, feeling attractive and confident in your appearance, with beautiful nipples.

Oakland County Nipple Correction Surgery Consultation: 248-335-7200

Nipple Correction Surgery FAQs

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Nipple Correction Surgery Frequently Asked Questions-

Dr. Ali is a prominent board certified plastic surgeon in the Macomb County, Michigan area, with decades of experience and a thousands of satisfied patients. With over 20 years in practice and extensive training, Dr. Ali is a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons, and has been rated Top Doc by Hour Detroit Magazine multiple years in a row. In this article, Dr. Ali discusses nipple correction surgery, and answers some frequently asked questions about the procedure.

Who is a Good Candidates for Nipple Correction Surgery?

In Dr. Ali’s experience, most nipple correction procedures take an hour or less, and may be helpful for you if:

  • you are in generally good health but you are dissatisfied by the appearance of your nipples or the surrounding pigmented area called the areola
  • you have nipples that sag below the crease of the breast
  • you have nipples that point downward, or you have enlarged areolas due to stretched skin
  • you have flattened or inverted nipples.

Who is Not a Good Candidate for Nipple Correction Surgery?

While nipple correction procedures are fairly common and considered to be safe, they may not be right for everyone. Dr. Ali recommends that if your nipples have unexpectedly or rapidly become inverted, consult with a breast specialist prior to considering nipple correction surgery. You want to be sure there are no underlying medical conditions that would affect the surgery, and more importantly, your overall health.

If you smoke and are unable or not willing to quit for a period of time prior to and after the surgery, or if your weight is unstable, you also may not be a good candidate.

What Conditions can Nipple Correction Surgery Fix?

Nipple correction procedures can reduce the size of the pigmented areas of skin surrounding the nipples, which is called the areolae.

Abnormally large or elongated nipples can be reduced in size, and inverted or misshapen nipples can be reshaped through nipple correction surgery.

Nipple correction surgery can be helpful if you have asymmetrical nipples, by reducing or reshaping one to match the other.

If you have too much breast tissue, areolas that are misshapen or enlarged, or nipples that create a “third breast,” you can benefit from nipple correction procedures. Dr. Ali can remove the pigmented skin, or even permanently excise the excess breast tissue, extra nipples, and areolas.

Nipples that are too small or inverted can also be enlarged or corrected in some cases with nonsurgical dermal filler injections.

Will I Have a Scar after Nipple Correction Surgery?

There is always scarring with any incision. However, a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali takes great care to position the scar around the areola so it is virtually undetectable. This scar actually helps to hold the shape of the areola.

Is Nipple Correction Surgery Safe?

Nipple correction procedures are generally considered to be safe, and complications are rare, assuming the physician is well trained, experienced and competent. Board certification provides an extra layer of protection to a patient, ensuring that the plastic surgeon is qualified to perform the procedure.

Unfortunately some women are tempted to save money by going to underdeveloped countries like Mexico, or to doctors who are not board certified plastic surgeons. This increases the risk of infection, serious complications, and unattractive results. You should never trust surgery on your breasts to anyone but a board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali who has performed hundreds of nipple reconstructions.

Best Macomb County Nipple Correction Surgery

Dr. Ali is a board certified Macomb County area plastic surgeon who has helped countless women get the breast appearance they love with nipple correction surgery. He will offer you a consultation to answer your questions and offer you understanding advice about your nipple correction surgery options.

Whether you simply dislike the position of your nipples, or you received poor implant surgery results from another surgeon, or you have undergone a mastectomy after battling breast cancer, we are here to help you improve your nipples’ appearance. Live your best life, feeling attractive and confident in your appearance, with beautiful nipples.

Macomb County Nipple Correction Surgery Consultation: 248-335-7200

Types of Nipple Correction Surgery

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Types of Nipple Correction Surgery– 

A number of factors may cause both men and women to be embarrassed about their nipples and the pigmented skin that surrounds them. Cosmetic issues of shape and size or more functional concerns may motivate a patient to contact a plastic surgeon for help. If this applies to you, Dr. Ali, board certified plastic surgeon serving the Macomb County area, can explain all the options to you and help you achieve the results you hope for.

Nipple Correction Surgery: Asymmetrical Nipples

Like many features of human anatomy, areolas may be asymmetrical. If this bothers you, there is good news. Cosmetic procedures are available that will correct the asymmetry, making each areola match the other in size and shape.

Nipple Correction Surgery: Areola Reduction

The size and/or shape of the areolae may also cause dissatisfaction, leading you to seek either reshaping or reduction of the areolae. Size and shape can be altered by such factors as weight gain or loss, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Or, perhaps you were simply born with large areolas. Surgical procedures are available that can enhance or reduce the size and shape of the areolae, including removal of excess pigmented skin.

Nipple Correction Surgery: Nipple Augmentation

Most of us are aware of the use of hyaluronic acid fillers to plump up lips or other areas. This same method can be used to augment projection of the nipples. Most commonly nipple augmentation is used to correct nipple inversion, where nipples contract inward instead of protruding. However, the procedure is also commonly used in connection with breast reconstruction surgery, and sometimes even for patients who want their nipples to appear more prominent and erect.

Nipple Correction Surgery: Nipple Reduction

Nipple hypertrophy is a condition that sometimes happens when milk ducts connected to the nipple become enlarged. Or, some nipples become elongated or point downward. Although most frequently associated with milk ducts and/or breastfeeding, men can also develop this condition. Nipple reduction surgery, where the excess parts of the nipple are removed, can transform the nipple to a more pleasing shape. Nipple correction surgery involves little downtime and the recovery period is relatively short. The surgery itself is done under a local anesthesia, and is often combined with breast lifts, augmentation or reduction.

Nipple Correction Surgery: Inverted Nipples

An inverted nipple retracts inward rather than projects, and this condition may cause embarrassment. The most common cause of inverted nipples is congenital – short or shared milk ducts. However, in some rare cases, inverted nipples can occur as a result of breast cancer. This surgery is usually done under IV sedation or local anesthesia. Small incisions are made at the base of the nipple, to allow it to regain a more pleasing shape and appearance.

Of course, every effort would be made to preserve the function of milk ducts, any type of nipple correction surgery has the potential of severing the milk ducts which could impact the possibility of breastfeeding. An experienced and highly skilled plastic surgeon such as Dr. Ali can evaluate your goals, and let you know what risks you face.

While this article answers some questions, if you are considering surgery to correct the size, shape or appearance of your nipples, no doubt you have more. It is important that you select a surgeon in whom you have confidence, who will take the time needed to explain all of your options and put you at ease, and with whom you feel completely comfortable. If you are in the greater Macomb County area and are considering nipple correction surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ali to discuss your unique situation.

Best Macomb County Nipple Correction Surgery

Dr. Ali is a board certified Macomb County area plastic surgeon who has helped countless women get the breast appearance they love with nipple correction surgery. He will offer you a consultation to answer your questions and offer you understanding advice about your nipple correction surgery options.

Whether you simply dislike the position of your nipples, or you received poor implant surgery results from another surgeon, or you have undergone a mastectomy after battling breast cancer, we are here to help you improve your nipples’ appearance. Live your best life, feeling attractive and confident in your appearance, with beautiful nipples.

Macomb County Nipple Correction Surgery Consultation: 248-335-7200