Reducing the areola or nipples

In modern plastic surgery, there are no challenges that cannot be overcome. Whether you have naturally small or excessively large nipples or areolas, or if they have an irregular shape due to various factors, South Korea offers a straightforward solution. The procedure is quick and easy, with a fast recovery time and minimal discomfort.

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Brief surgery information

• Duration of Surgery: 1 hour

• Type of Anesthesia: Sedation

• Hospitalization: 1-2 hours

• Return to Normal Life: Within 3-4 days

• Clinic Visits: 3-4 times

• Stitches Removal: 14 days

Why do women consider areola and nipple surgery?

• Effects of pregnancy and breastfeeding: During breastfeeding, nipples can become overly extended or sustain damage from a baby’s growing teeth.

• Age-related changes: With age, breasts may sag, and tissues lose elasticity, causing them to stretch and lose their original shape. Areolas can also enlarge in such cases, often combined with breast lift or reduction procedures.

• Results of trauma and breast surgeries (e.g., mastectomy): These corrective procedures are considered reconstructive and are frequently performed alongside breast augmentation with implants or lipofilling.

• Natural factors: Some women naturally have differently shaped nipples or areolas, which can lead to breastfeeding difficulties and psychological concerns.

Who is a suitable candidate for the surgery?

Areola or nipple reduction surgery is ideal for individuals who are concerned about excessively large or protruding nipples or areolas, which may cause physical discomfort or psychological distress. Patients choose this procedure for cosmetic reasons or to address common issues such as clothing friction. It is often combined with other breast surgeries, such as breast reduction, breast lift, or breast augmentation, to complement the results and maintain natural proportions. Before the surgery, patients should be in good overall health, refrain from smoking, and limit alcohol consumption.

Why choose South Korea?

South Korea annually conducts the highest number of cosmetic procedures and surgeries worldwide. Local surgeons are regarded as among the most educated and competitive globally, with only 0.01% of medical school graduates becoming plastic surgeons. The medical equipment and technology in Korea are on par with the USA and Germany, placing it in the top three countries for clinic technical capabilities.

All mammoplasty procedures are performed in accredited clinics authorized to treat international patients and staffed with in-house anesthesiologists. Surgeons operating on our patients have between 15 to 30 years of experience, specializing in mammoplasty and soft tissue surgeries, and conduct no more than two surgeries per day. Fill out the form to calculate the cost of treatment, schedule a preliminary consultation, and prepare a travel plan to South Korea for the surgery.

How to prepare for areola and nipple size and shape change surgery in South Korea

• Fast for 8 hours: Refrain from eating and drinking for 8 hours before the procedure. Take a shower.

• Avoid certain medications: Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen (including brands like Advil or Motrin), and other medications that may increase the risk of excessive bleeding for 2 weeks prior to the surgery. Tylenol is prohibited only within 3 days before the operation.

• Quit smoking: Smoking, including hookah and e-cigarettes, reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down the tissue healing process. Your doctor may recommend quitting smoking before the surgery, as some surgeons may refuse to operate on smoking patients due to the higher risk of complications. Avoid being around smokers or in designated smoking areas.

• Review your medical history: Be prepared to answer questions about your current and past illnesses, as well as any recent medications you have taken. Please do not hide this information from the surgeon and coordinators.

• Consult with the surgeon: To determine treatment options, the doctor will examine the intended area of the operation, including the position of the nipples/areolas.

• Provide mammography or breast biopsy results: If possible, bring or send your mammography or breast biopsy results (if unavailable, necessary tests will be conducted in Korea).

• Arrange transportation: Ask someone to take you to the clinic or help you after the operation. Driving a car on the day of mammoplasty is strictly prohibited.

• Prepare essential items: Place items near your bed that you may need during rest, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or your mobile phone.

The surgical process

Before the surgery begins, during the final consultation, the surgeon designs the operation and discusses it with the client. They also answer any questions the patient may have that arise during the restless night before the operation.

Next, the patient is asked to visit the restroom, confirm the time of their last intake of food and water, and is escorted to the operating room. A catheter is inserted into the hand, through which medications used before anesthesia are administered into the bloodstream. The operation area is disinfected, and the patient’s arms and legs are secured with straps to minimize movement during sleep.

Blood pressure is measured, and the anesthesiologist checks vital signs before administering anesthesia.

Once the medication takes effect and the patient is asleep, the surgeon begins the operation. An incision is made, and depending on the design, the condition of the breast, and the surgical plan, the surgeon removes excess tissue and applies stitches.

After the surgery is completed, the breast is dried thoroughly, a bandage is applied on top for protection from external influences, and to secure the position of the stitches. The patient is awakened and assisted to the room for further rest and recovery.

What to expect after areola and nipple size and shape change surgery

After the surgery, a translator or medical nurses will wake you up and help you move to your room. Most patients do not remember this moment, and they feel like they woke up in a warm bed, thanks to the anesthesia.

In the first 10-20 minutes after waking up, you may feel chills, but this will quickly pass. There is a warming mattress on your bed to make this period more comfortable. There is almost no pain in the first day, as it is dulled by pain-relieving injections and medications used during the surgery. However, you may feel your breast or even your abdomen swelling – this is normal as your body begins the healing process.

The biggest discomfort comes from the bandage, which may make it difficult to take deep breaths and may feel tight in some areas. If you experience this, do not hesitate to ask the coordinator if it is possible to loosen the bandage slightly in your case. You will stay in the clinic for a few hours after the operation with a catheter in your hand, receiving medications.

After the end of the infusion and the removal of the catheter, the coordinator and medical nurses will check your condition. If there are no symptoms such as dizziness and nausea, you can prepare for discharge: change clothes, collect medications, and receive postoperative recommendations.

By evening, the pain may intensify. Be sure to place several pillows around your body to prevent injury to the breast area during sleep, and take the medications prescribed by the surgeon, as they contain pain relievers. If you experience a dull ache or feel an increase in swelling in the breast area, it is normal. Your main task at this stage is to be patient and wait for a few days.

The swelling will increase over the next three days; do not be alarmed and continue to follow the rehabilitation rules. By the end of the week, the swelling will begin to subside, and you will feel much better and be able to return to your normal life.

You can book a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or by contacting us on any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.

Breast surgery recovery process and procedures description

Immediately after the procedure: Your chest will be covered with gauze and surgical tapes. You can leave the clinic within 1-2 hours after the operation if you feel well.

Days 1-2: During this time, you may experience discomfort in your chest (the surgical techniques do not affect the muscles, so patients do not typically experience severe pain). Bruising and swelling may occur. It is recommended to sleep on your back in an elevated position.

Days 3-7: Swelling begins to decrease. Avoid sports activities, and taking a full shower is prohibited. Follow-up appointments at the clinic for post-operative procedures (such as laser therapy for swelling and wound care, etc.). During this period, patients can return to their normal lives, including work or school.

Days 7-14: Reduction in swelling and disappearance of any bruises. Regular extended walks are recommended for faster recovery. Removal of stitches (if applicable) and the ability to take full showers.

Days 14-21: Continue to avoid intensive workouts and physical exercises. Apply scar-reducing ointment to the incisions 3-4 times a day.

Days 21-30: Most of the swelling subsides, and you may see 80-90% of the final results. Scars slowly start to fade.

Days 31-60: You can begin physical exercises, sleep on your side, take baths, and continue daily application of scar-healing ointment and wearing silicone patches.

Days 60-90: Swelling completely diminishes, and your chest takes its final shape. You can swim in the sea, sunbathe, and consume alcohol without restrictions. Scars gradually fade, and for maximum disappearance, it’s important to continue daily skincare.

Days 90-180: Sensation returns to the chest, scars continue to fade, and there are no restrictions.