Nipple Reduction Surgery in Iran: All you need to know

What is nipple reduction surgery?

It is perfectly normal for people to have different sizes and shapes of nipples and areolas, but when you begin to find the size of nipples and areolas uncomfortable and unpleasant, then you must begin to consider nipple/areola reduction surgery.

Nipple reduction surgery is a surgical procedure that is carried out to reduce the protrusion of the nipple and cause it to be more aesthetically pleasing. This cosmetic procedure could also focus on decreasing the circumference of the nipple (areola) as well, in which case it is called areola reduction surgery.

Nipple/areola reduction surgery focuses on the removal of the unwanted tissues surrounding the nipples and areolas which reduces the size of the nipples and improves the proportions and the appearance of the breast.

This procedure can be performed on its own or it can be performed alongside breast lift, breast reduction, and breast augmentation.

Who is qualified for this procedure?

Anyone can undergo nipple reshaping surgery; however, the most qualified candidates for this procedure are people who are uncomfortable with the size or shape of their nipples.

This procedure also works for people who have lost weight and suddenly developed abnormally-shaped nipples. Women who developed changes in their areolas during pregnancy and breastfeeding can also undergo this procedure.

Other perfect candidates for nipple reduction surgery are people with asymmetrical nipples who want to get them reduced to match each other. Also, people with puffy and protruding areolas can undergo this procedure.

While adolescent males might be able to have this procedure at an early age, women should not undergo nipple reduction surgery until breasts are fully grown, usually by the late teens and early 20s.

Nipple reduction surgery for males

Puffy nipples can be an eyesore for men. No man wants to wear a shirt and have his abnormally shaped nipples sticking out like a lactating woman. That is why nipple reduction surgery is a good option for men who have protruding nipples. Although it is a very minor procedure, it can have a hugely positive effect on a man’s confidence and self-esteem.

Nipple reduction surgery for females

As a female, when the nipple looks aesthetically displeasing as a result of genetics, aging, and breastfeeding, it could have adverse effects on one’s self-esteem.

Nipple/areola reduction surgery can correct the following problems:

• Droopy nipples
• Long nipples
• Enlarged areolas
• Puffy areolas

The nipples and the areolas can be modified and corrected to improve in size and shape, which gives the breast a more befitting look and makes them balanced.

Before this procedure is carried out, the surgeon often takes into account the natural size of the breast, the wanted size, and the kind of improvements that would yield maximum results,

How much does nipple reduction surgery cost in Iran?

The cost of a nipple reduction surgery varies according to geographical location, however, the biggest determinant of nipple reductions surgery is the kind of procedure you want to get. If you desire to combine it with a breast lift or reduction, then you might pay higher.

The cost of nipple/areola reduction surgery in Iran often ranges from $1000 to $1500 for both breasts. However, depending on the surgeon and other services you may want to get, prices for nipple reshaping in Iran can vary considerably.

Most nipple reduction surgeries are not covered by insurance so you would have to pay the costs out of pocket. Some clinics tend to offer payment plans that enable you to get treatments on time.

How to prepare for nipple/areola reduction surgery

After you have decided to undergo this procedure, the first step to take is to search for a skillful professional surgeon. After which a date would be scheduled for your appointment, consultations, and ultimately, the surgery.

During the consultation, you should expect your surgeon to:

• Take a careful look at your breasts
• Listen to your concerns
• Ask for your medical history and the list of current medications if there is any.
• Go over your surgical options.

After the pre-op consultation, the doctor can now determine if it is safe for you to go ahead with the surgery. The doctor would carefully explain the procedure to you and show the places where possible scarring may occur. He/she would present an idea of what your breast would look like after the surgery. Given all these, the date for your surgery would be scheduled and you would be asked to follow some instructions which include:

• Stopping certain medications like Advil and ibuprofen a week before your surgery.
• Arranging a ride before and after your surgery
• Showering with surgical soap on the day of your surgery
• Staying away from makeups and other cosmetics on the day of the surgery
• Wearing comfortable and loose-fitting clothing on the day of the surgery
• Removing all body jewelry on the day of the surgery
• Abstaining from food a day before surgery if general anesthesia would be administered

Things to expect during the nipple/areola reduction surgery

This procedure is quite a simple one that often takes an hour or less. The surgery may be done at a local hospital or a private clinic. But there are some things you should expect during this procedure and they include:

• You will be asked to change into a hospital gown
• Your blood pressure will be checked
• You will be given a medication that is meant to cause you to relax and put you to sleep
• The staff will check if you stayed away from food as instructed
• Electrodes will be applied to monitor your heart rate during the operation

The surgery is done as follows:

• Your surgeon cuts a piece of tissue out of your areola in the shape of a donut
• This incision will be made along the perimeter of your existing areola so that the scar would be nearly invisible
• Your new areola will be secured with a permanent suture deep inside your breast to prevent the areola from stretching
• Dissolvable stitches will be used to close the incision site.

After the surgical procedure, your doctor will apply a surgical bra or prescribe a special post-surgical bra for you.

If local anesthesia is administered, you will be able to go home almost immediately after the surgery, but if general anesthesia is used, the doctor will observe you for a few hours before fully discharging you.

Is nipple/areola reduction surgery very risky?

The procedure is a very simple one, however like all surgeries, there may be possible risks that may occur. Some of them include:

• Scarring: There might be a scar around the outer edge of your areola and the severity of the scar varies. Oftentimes, the scars are not easily noticeable and other times, they can become noticeable. However, in the event of any scarring, such scars can be improved with areola tattooing.
• Loss of Sensation: During nipple reduction surgery, the center of the nipples is kept in place to prevent the risk of loss of sensation. However, you may have a temporary sensation loss during your healing process, but this is often rare.
• Infection: there is a risk of infection after nipple reshaping surgery but it can be prevented if you follow all of the doctor’s instructions after the surgery.
• Inability to breastfeed: During this procedure, the doctor removes a piece of your areola which poses a risk of damage to your milk ducts, and this may lead to a chance of the inability to breastfeed in the future. However, such an occurrence is extremely rare.

The recovery process of the nipple reduction surgery

The recovery process of nipple reduction surgery is very quick. Although some swelling and bruising may occur, if such doesn’t happen, you can resume your day-to-day activities within 2-3 days.

There are also some actions you should abstain from to have a relatively quick recovery process. They include:

• Avoiding physical chest contact for 3 weeks
• Avoiding sex in the first week after surgery
• Avoiding all sorts of strenuous activities for the first few weeks.

To experience a quick recovery process, there are also some instructions you should adhere to. You should:

• Report any abnormal pain to your doctor
• Wear a surgical bra or sports bra for the first few weeks
• Expect an increase in pain during your first post-surgical period.
• Call your doctor if you notice any swelling, inflammation, pus leakage from the incision site, and slow healing rate.