There is no perfect size for the nipple or areolas (the darkened area of skin around the nipple), and people have different preferences. If your preference is different than how you currently look, there is something you can do about it. A nipple reduction in Washington DC can improve its size, symmetry, and overall appearance. Many people are familiar with numerous cosmetic surgeries but most do not know that you can benefit from nipple reduction.
Both men and women choose this route to improve body image contentment. You might feel like your nipples protrude too much, sag, or are asymmetrical. Maybe you are dissatisfied with the shape or size of your areola, or your nipples are thicker than you prefer. You may be uncomfortable with how visible they are through clothing. Board-certified cosmetic breast surgeon Dr. Troy Pittman can assist you in determining the best path forward for this surgery.
Nipple Reduction Techniques
Nipple reduction is a cosmetic surgery that removes tissue from the nipples, followed by a restructuring of the nipple, and sometimes the areola, to reduce the size and improve appearance. A nipple reduction in Washington DC may be done as a single treatment or concurrently with a breast lift, augmentation, or reduction. There are several nipple reduction techniques, including:
- Circumcision
- Amputation
- Wedge resection
- Simple grafting
- Flaps
Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages. Dr. Pittman will consult with the patient and choose the best reduction technique based on each patient’s unique needs. In the case of inverted nipples, he can release tethers at the base of the nipple that pulls it inward.
If an areola reduction is also requested, Dr. Pittman makes an incision along the outside of the areola, removes excess tissue, reshapes it, and sutures the incisions closed. Scarring presents along the outer line of the areola, where it is often unnoticed.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
In Washington DC, nipple reduction by itself is an outpatient procedure using a general anesthesia, especially when performed in conjunction with over breast procedures. Our skilled nursing staff will provide you with all the information you need to prepare ahead of time and to make sure your post-op recovery is smooth and comfortable.
After nipple reduction procedures, the patient will go home shortly after the surgery but need to have someone drive them home. Patients usually experience some pain but it can be controlled with over-the-counter medications. If pain is difficult to manage, a physician can prescribe pain medication as needed. Recovery can vary from patient to patient, but most individuals can return to regular activities within a week.

Candidates for Nipple Reduction
Ideal candidates include individuals who:
- Have elongated, overly prominent, or asymmetrical nipples.
- Feel self-conscious about the appearance of their nipples, whether due to genetics, breastfeeding, aging, or other factors.
- Experience physical discomfort or chafing due to prominent nipples, especially during physical activities or while wearing certain clothing.
- Are healthy and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure.
- Are seeking a minimally invasive solution to enhance the proportion and symmetry of their nipples.
Benefits of Nipple Reduction
Nipple reduction surgery offers numerous advantages, including:
- Improved Appearance:Â Achieve a more balanced and proportionate look by reducing nipple size and projection.
- Boosted Confidence:Â Many individuals feel more comfortable and self-assured in intimate and public settings after the procedure.
- Enhanced Comfort:Â Relief from irritation, chafing, or discomfort caused by prominent nipples during exercise or while wearing tight clothing.
- Customizable Results:Â Dr. Pittman considers each patient's unique anatomy and desired aesthetic goals, ensuring natural-looking results.
- Quick Recovery:Â Nipple reduction is a relatively simple, minimally invasive procedure with a quick recovery, allowing patients to return to daily activities quickly.
- Combination with Other Procedures: Nipple reduction can be performed alongside breast augmentation, reduction, or lift procedures for a comprehensive enhancement.
Why Choose Somenek + Pittman for Nipple Reduction
Somenek + Pittman MDÂ offers a high-end, boutique-style plastic surgery experience focusing on personalized, concierge-level care. Dr. Troy Pittman, an award-winning, internationally recognized expert in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery, brings unmatched expertise to every procedure. Board-certified and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Pittman's extensive training and experience, including his fellowship at Georgetown University Hospital, make him a trusted authority in cosmetic breast surgery.
Patients benefit from Dr. Pittman's dedication to achieving natural, balanced results with meticulous attention to detail. Dr. Pittman has earned a reputation for excellence with accolades such as Castle Connolly Top Doctor and seven consecutive years as the Face of Cosmetic Breast Surgery by Washingtonian magazine. Located in Washington, DC, our state-of-the-art practice combines world-class skill with an elevated patient experience, making it the ideal choice for nipple reduction surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do to prepare for nipple reduction surgery?
To prepare, follow your Dr. Pittman's pre-operative instructions, which may include avoiding certain medications and supplements, stopping smoking, and arranging transportation home. You may also need to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before surgery.
Will I have visible scars after nipple reduction?
Scarring is minimal and typically fades over time. The incisions are small and carefully placed to be as inconspicuous as possible. Dr. Pittman will provide advice on scar management to aid healing.
Will nipple reduction affect nipple sensitivity?
Some patients experience temporary changes in sensitivity after surgery. In most cases, sensitivity returns to normal within a few weeks to months. Permanent changes are rare but possible.
How long does it take to see the final results?
You'll notice an immediate improvement, but swelling may take a few weeks to subside. Final results are visible within two to three months as the area fully heals.
Are the results of nipple reduction surgery permanent?
Yes, the results are generally permanent. However, significant weight changes, aging, or hormonal fluctuations could slightly alter the nipples over time.
Consult with Us About Nipple Reduction in Washington DC
Nipple reduction is a surgical procedure that more and more patients have started seeking out. Recipients of this cosmetic surgery appreciate the substantial improvements and speedy recovery that this relatively quick procedure offers. Many women, as well as men, have found it to be a worthwhile investment.
If undergoing nipple reduction in Washington DC will make you more satisfied with your body, you might be a good candidate for this surgery. Dr. Troy Pittman and our help staff are available to meet with you, answer questions, and ensure your expectations align with what this surgery has to offer. Give us a call to set up a consultation.
Check out some of our work in these before and after galleries for nipple reduction.