Cosmetic Question: My doctor told me he thinks I need a peri-areolar lift. My nipples have come down, but the rest of my breasts looks okay. What is involved in this procedure? Do I have to be put to sleep for this?
Cosmetic Answer:
This procedure makes the nipple smaller after it is stretched and has come down – usually after pregnancy, menopause or some weight loss. An incision is made around the wide outer nipple and around the desired size. Internal sutures are then placed and finally, fine outside sutures are used as needed. There is no scar in the breast crease and no vertical scar.
If no other breast surgery is being done, a peri-areolar lift can be done in the office with local anesthesia. Worrying about the surgery is more bothersome than the surgery itself. To help with this, I recommend some sedation by mouth with a ride home, so you do not find anticipation of surgery stressful.
The surgery takes about 1 ½ hours to do. Your recovery is likely to be fast. Sutures come out in 1-2 weeks, no sports for 2 weeks, but walking is fine after 5 days.
Often a peri-areolar lift is done with a breast enlargement – the implant can usually be put in through the areolar incison, if you wish.
The incision around the nipple will be red for some time and may widen, especially if a large breast implant is put in at the same time. Widening is much less likely without an implant.
If all you want is a little lift and no implant, this is an excellent office operation.