Breasts are the eternal symbol of femininity; but, in the past, the attention they provoked would often make women feel self-conscious, particularly if some aspect of their breasts was unusual or unique. There was a time when women would put tape or band-aids over their nipples to prevent them from showing through clothing since this would inevitably spark jokes about the temperature in the room.
Fortunately, those times are gone, and prominent nipples are nothing to be ashamed of—in fact, they are considered feminine, attractive, and definitely sexy. Sadly, some women struggle with inverted or flat nipples, either as a genetic condition or as a result of body changes due to pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Dr. Brian Boyd is a Professor of Surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and former Chief of Plastic Surgery at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. He is an expert in breast augmentation, reduction, and reconstruction.
He provides nipple enhancement surgery as a long-lasting solution for those bothered if their nipples do not have the desired projection because they are inverted or flat. He also offers dermal fillers to plump the nipple for a minimally invasive alternative or to use in combination with the surgical option.
Dr. Boyd works hard to safely deliver the excellent results his patients desire because he genuinely cares about their well-being and cosmetic goals.
If you are interested in enhancing your nipple projection and live in or near Palos Verdes, California, call Dr. Boyd today at (310) 597-4734. Dr. Boyd offers nipple enhancement surgery for women in California from Los Angeles to Long Beach.
Usually, Dr. Boyd recommends a simple injection with a long-lasting filler. Before injecting the filler, he will inject a local anesthetic. This will show both him and the patient the likely result when the filler is injected while producing numbness, making the injection painless. The effect of the filler persists for up to two years.
A more permanent result may be achieved by surgery under local anesthesia. Dr. Boyd’s surgical approach can restructure the nipple to increase and balance its prominence. Nipple scarring, though minimal, is inevitably present. This is also a consideration in patients who do not respond to filler injections.
However, if your nipple projection surgery is combined with injectable fillers or if fillers are used alone, maintenance sessions every six months to a year may be required.
Dr. Boyd’s nipple enhancement techniques provide the following benefits:
This simple surgery requires that you are in good overall health and want more prominent nipples. You should not smoke. If you do, be willing to stop for a few weeks before and after surgery to recover as well as possible.
Your current health status and nipple projection goals will be reviewed. Dr. Boyd will explain the alternatives to you and the results you can expect. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss all your cosmetic concerns and desires.
Your nipples and areola will be examined, and a customized surgical plan will be created. Photographs will also be taken for a “before” image.
Nipple enhancement surgery uses the same technique as used for nipple inversion correction, which was first used in the 1980s.
After administering a local anesthetic (with or without optional sedation), triangular incisions are made within the areola at the base of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) to make flaps that are folded underneath the nipple for support. These are then sutured together to push the nipple up.
The milk ducts are often found to be shortened, tethering the nipples in an inverted position. Correction then involves the division of these ducts to release the nipple.
Any breast procedure can be performed at the same time as nipple projection surgery. However, general anesthesia may be needed. These include:
You can also combine cosmetic fillers with nipple projection surgery.
Injectable fillers can also be used to enhance nipple projection, and this option is best for women who plan to breastfeed in the future.
Sometimes, after nipple projection surgery, patients opt to use an injectable filler to improve their results further. This is unnecessary in most cases but can provide additional plumpness to the nipple if desired.
Dr. Boyd uses dermal fillers that contain hyaluronic acid. This substance is made naturally in our bodies, so it is safe and not subject to allergic reactions or rejection.
Dr. Boyd prefers to use JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® XC, Restylane®, and RHA®. In some cases, fat transfer can be used to enhance nipples.
Nipple enhancement surgery is safe and rarely results in significant complications. You may discuss any breastfeeding plans with Dr. Boyd for more specific suggestions.
While scars are typically not prominent, there have been cases when scarring developed within the NAC, causing a new reduction in nipple projection. If this happens, revision surgery may be required.
While breastfeeding is always difficult with inverted nipples, nipple projection surgery cannot correct this issue, and nursing will not be an option after this procedure. Filler injections, on the other hand, do not preclude breastfeeding in the future.
After your nipple projection surgery, if you do not opt for sedation, you will be able to drive yourself home. You will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment, at which time Dr. Boyd will examine your nipples to check their healing progress.
Nipple enhancement patients usually have an easy and quick recovery, although this can vary when choosing to combine this procedure with other surgeries.
You can expect to feel some sensitivity on and around your nipples for a few days, and there will be some swelling and bruising. Follow these tips for the best results:
You may experience some discharge (drainage) from your nipple for a few weeks, which is no cause for concern.
While breastfeeding is always difficult with inverted nipples, nipple projection surgery cannot correct this issue, and nursing will not be an option after this procedure. Filler injections, on the other hand, do not preclude breastfeeding in the future.
This procedure offers long-lasting and often permanent results. If excessive scar tissue develops within the nipple and causes it to flatten, revision surgery or an injectable filler may be required.
There are many different kinds of nipple irregularities, including inverted, multiple, divided, asymmetrical, flat, or protruding, and each side can be different. Anyone unhappy with the appearance of their nipple(s) can benefit from Dr. Boyd’s expertise.
Yes, nipple projection can change after breast augmentation, often for the better. However, truly inverted nipples typically need an additional procedure that can be performed alongside implant placement or replacement.
If you have inverted nipples, asymmetric nipples, or enlarged areolas, you may be an ideal candidate for nipple correction surgery. You should be a non-smoker, at a stable weight, and in good overall health.
If you want to learn more about nipple correction, nipple projection, or nipple enhancement surgery, call our Palos Verdes California office at (310) 597-4734 or fill out an online contact form below.
Some images may be models.
Before and After Photos - individual results may vary.
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