Nipple reduction reduces the length or width of the nipple to bring it into proportion with the breast as a whole.
When the nipple becomes long or thick, the proportions of the whole breast can look off, and it may show through clothing or become sore from rubbing. It often stretches with childbirth and breastfeeding, but it can also be congenitally large in people who have never given birth. Nipple reduction reduces an enlarged nipple to a size in proportion with the breast and areola.
Nipple concerns divide into excess length and excess width, and the two often occur together. Which is the main issue determines where and in which direction tissue is excised, so before surgery we measure the height and diameter of the nipple and its proportion to the areola to plan the procedure.
Atelier Plastic Surgery has published its nipple and areola surgical techniques in an international journal and lectured on them at conferences in Korea and abroad. The incision lines are designed within a range that preserves the milk ducts, sensory nerves and blood supply, and Dr. Go personally handles everything from consultation to surgery and follow-up.
Excess tissue is excised from the middle or upper part of the nipple and sutured to lower its height. The position and width of the excision are set within a range that preserves the milk ducts and blood supply.
Wedge-shaped sections of tissue are excised from the sides of the nipple and sutured to reduce its diameter. The degree of reduction depends on the number and position of the wedges removed.
When both height and diameter need to be reduced, the two excisions are combined. The more tissue is removed, the more attention blood supply and sensation require, so the order of excision and the direction of suturing are planned in advance.
A technique that reduces the volume of the nipple and areola in a crown-shaped pattern to refine the contour, designed so that the incision lines are less visible on the surface. Dr. Juyoung Go published this method in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2026) and has lectured on it at conferences in Korea and abroad.
These may vary depending on your condition; we will give you precise details at your consultation.
Even within nipple reduction, an excision that lowers the height and one that reduces the diameter run in different directions. At consultation we measure the nipple's height and diameter and its proportion to the areola and breast, and decide together which to reduce and by how much.
Milk ducts, sensory nerves and fine blood vessels pass through the nipple. The more tissue is removed, the greater the possibility of sensory change and an effect on breastfeeding, so we confirm your future breastfeeding plans before deciding the position and amount of the excision.
Because the nipple is a wrinkled tissue, suture lines tend to be relatively well concealed, but how visible the scar is depends on the excision pattern. Including the crown-shape excision pattern we have published, we plan so that the suture lines follow the natural grain of the nipple.
It is often performed on the same day as areola reduction, a breast lift or breast augmentation. When the overall shape of the breast changes, the appropriate nipple size also changes, so when combined we decide the nipple size based on the final shape.
If performed under local anesthesia, you can go home right after surgery. A protective dressing is applied to the nipple area, and you avoid pressure and friction on the day.
There may be mild swelling and bruising and a tingling sensation at the suture site. You take the prescribed medication and check the condition of the dressing.
You visit the clinic so we can check the suture site. Depending on the condition of the wound, showering may be possible from this point; do not rub the nipple hard.
Stitches are removed, or dissolvable sutures are absorbed around this time. Most daily activities are possible and the swelling has largely subsided.
The shape begins to stabilize. The suture line may still look red; you begin scar care while avoiding sunlight and friction.
The swelling fully resolves and the final shape and sensation settle. If any change in sensation remains, we follow its course until this point.
After nipple reduction, bleeding, infection, separation of the suture line, swelling and bruising may occur. Because the excision passes through the area where the nipple's sensory nerves run, sensation may become dull or hypersensitive; this usually recovers over several months, but in some cases it may persist long-term. If the milk ducts are damaged during excision, breastfeeding may become difficult, so if you plan to have children or breastfeed in the future you must tell us at consultation. Asymmetry in size or height between the two sides, scarring along the suture line, a change in which reduced nipple projection looks like inversion, and, rarely, tissue damage from reduced blood supply may occur, and depending on the result, revision surgery may be needed. Results vary by individual, and we explain everything fully at consultation.
The content on this page is general medical information provided in accordance with the Medical Service Act. The results of surgery and treatments and the recovery period may vary by individual. All surgeries and treatments carry a risk of side effects, so please decide after a thorough consultation with a specialist.
Areola reduction that sets the diameter to fit the size of the breast
Learn more Related Nipple deformityNipple deformity correction with a method for each shape
Learn more Related Inverted nippleCorrection that weighs the degree of inversion and duct preservation together
Learn more Related Breast liftA breast lift with the incision pattern chosen by the degree of sagging
Learn moreConsultations are conducted by the Director herself. Schedule one by phone or KakaoTalk, or leave an online consultation request.
