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nipple sorunları

Nipple and Areola Surgery

Some minor aesthetic procedures may be needed to correct deformities of the nipple and the colored area around it (the areola). Nipple problems can be congenital, or they can develop after pregnancy, breastfeeding or surgery.

In short: Nipple surgery includes correcting inverted nipples, reducing large or long nipples and reducing wide areolas. Most procedures are performed under local anesthesia as outpatient procedures, and you can return to daily life quickly. They can be performed on their own or combined with breast augmentation, breast reduction or a breast lift.

An examination is needed to get detailed information about nipple problems and to evaluate personalized treatment options.

What Is Nipple Surgery?

In nipple surgery, we aim to make the projection and position, size and contour of the nipple, and the shape and borders of the areola, more balanced. Every patient’s needs are different. The goal may not be appearance alone; in some cases, we also aim to preserve sensation, maintain function and achieve a natural look.

When Is Nipple Surgery Needed?

Conditions that usually require an evaluation for nipple surgery include:

  • Inverted nipples (in Turkish): low projection

  • An imbalance in nipple size or a noticeable difference between the two sides

  • An unwanted shape or size of the areola (a wide areola, irregular borders)

  • Asymmetry (in the height, contour or centering of the nipple)

With nipple surgery, we aim to improve your everyday comfort and self-confidence. There is no rule that every structural difference must be operated on. The decision is made according to your concerns, and the approach is planned according to your anatomy.

Consultation and Planning

The most important step in nipple surgery is a detailed examination. We evaluate the current projection of the nipple, the structure of the areola, the degree of asymmetry, the elasticity of the skin and any previous procedures. We also discuss your expectations and realistic goals.

Our planning goals

  • Symmetry: Creating a balanced look between the two sides

  • Natural contour: Keeping the result as natural as possible

  • Projection: Bringing an inverted nipple outward

  • Areola border: Refining the shape and border of the areola

  • Tissue and sensation: The surgical approach is tailored to each person

Treatment plan

Depending on your needs, the treatment plan may include:

  • Increasing projection in inverted nipples: inverted nipple correction

  • Adjusting nipple size and contour: nipple reduction

  • Planning the shape and border of the areola

  • Revision of problems caused by previous procedures

Correction of inverted nipple
nipple reduction
areola reduction

How Is Nipple Surgery Performed?

Nipple surgery can be performed on its own or combined with other breast surgeries. Nipple procedures can be performed under local anesthesia, without a hospital stay.

Inverted nipple correction

An inverted nipple is corrected through a small 1–1.5 cm incision at the edge of the nipple: the tissues pulling the nipple inward are released, and permanent stitches are placed to keep it from retracting again. In congenital inversion, the milk ducts may be short, so they may need to be sacrificed during the correction; if you plan to breastfeed, we may postpone surgery until after breastfeeding.

→ Details: Inverted nipples: causes, grades and treatment (in Turkish)

 

Nipple reduction

Different methods have been described to reduce wide or unusually long nipples. Among them, techniques that do not damage the milk ducts and give a good aesthetic result are preferred. The technique is chosen based on your examination findings.

Nipple reduction can be combined with any breast aesthetic surgery, or it can be performed on its own under local anesthesia.

Areola reduction

An areola that looks wide because of pregnancy, breastfeeding or congenital reasons is reduced by removing the excess pigmented skin through a circular incision at the edge of the areola, giving it a smaller, rounder shape. Because the incision lies along the color border of the areola, the scar is usually not noticeable. It can be performed on its own under local anesthesia or combined with breast augmentation, breast reduction or a breast lift.

Recovery After Nipple Surgery

Recovery time may vary depending on individual factors and the procedure performed.

The first few days:

Edema, mild tenderness, protective measures applied to the area, and wound care.

First 1-2 weeks:

Wound care should be provided, regular check-ups are necessary, and trauma should be avoided.

4-6 weeks

The dissolvable sutures disappear. Scar care can be provided if needed.

2-3 months:

The picture usually becomes clearer within a few weeks to months.

During the healing process, factors such as smoking, excessive movement/stretching, and failure to protect the affected area can affect the outcome. Therefore, individualized instructions should be followed.

Nipple Surgery FAQ

Does nipple surgery leave a scar?

Depending on the technique, a scar may form. The aim is to leave the scar along natural borders and, where possible, in less noticeable areas. How the scar looks depends on your skin type, the quality of healing and aftercare.

When can I return to normal life after nipple surgery?

It depends on your work and lifestyle. In general, you can continue your daily activities within a short time; however, it is better to wait a while before strenuous sports and movements that may put pressure on the area.

Does nipple reduction affect breastfeeding?

Because techniques that preserve the milk ducts are preferred in nipple reduction, breastfeeding is usually not affected. Still, if you plan to breastfeed, be sure to mention it during the consultation.

How is areola reduction performed?

Excess pigmented skin is removed through a circular incision at the edge of the areola, giving it a smaller, rounder shape. Because the incision lies along the color border of the areola, the scar is usually not noticeable.

How much does nipple surgery cost?

The cost of nipple surgery varies depending on the scope of the surgery, the hospital, the materials used and the surgeon’s experience. The most complete pricing information can be given after the examination.

Information and Booking

If you have concerns such as an inverted nipple, an areola deformity or a large nipple, the first step is an examination. After the evaluation, a personalized treatment plan and risk assessment can be made. If you live abroad, you can send us your questions via WhatsApp; we can also help you plan your trip and your stay in Türkiye.

Breast Surgery

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Reduction
 

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Lift
 

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Mastopexy +
Implant

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This page was prepared and reviewed by Op. Dr. Nurgül Altuntaş .

Last update: November 2026

CONTACT

WHATSAPP
+90 505 799 29 98

Phone number
+90 262 331 61 61

e-mail
bilgi@nurgulaltuntas.com

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HOSPITALS​
Anadolu Medical Center
Özel Atakent Cihan Hospital

ADDRESS
​Körfez Mah. Ankara Karayolu St. No:123/2, Floor 2, Izmit / Kocaeli, Türkiye

This site has been prepared by  Op.Dr.Nurgül Altuntaş for informational purposes. The information given here is not a substitute for a doctor's examination and cannot be used for prescription or treatment purposes.

Since treatment recommendations will vary from person to person, it is recommended that you consult your doctor to learn about the appropriate treatment.

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