Nipple reduction using circumcision and wedge excision technique.

BACKGROUND

The definition of nipple hypertrophy does not exist, and the cause of the deformity remains unknown. However, many patients are uncomfortable with nipple hypertrophy and seek plastic surgeons for correction. Many techniques have been introduced till now to correct nipple hypertrophy, but they are difficult to perform and control the size of nipple in 3-dimensional way. This article describes a new method to reduce nipple hypertrophy in both height and width simultaneously.

METHODS

Between January 2001 and December 2010, we performed nipple reduction with our own method on 257 patients (491 nipples). For reduction in height, 2 circumferential lines are drawn: one at the base of the nipple and the other along the height of the new nipple. The distance between these circles is planned according to the required height reduction. For reduction in diameter, wedge excision lines are drawn from the top to the side wall of nipple only until the new baseline, which was drawn in a circumferential pattern. One or 2 wedge(s) is/are needed to get the desirable diameter in opposite position.

RESULTS

Among 257 patients, 23 underwent unilateral nipple reduction (male 1, female 22) and 234 underwent bilateral nipple reduction (male 9, female 225). The age ranged from 23 to 63 years (mean age, 34.6 years). The mean follow-up period was 30 months (range, 5-72 months). We performed a survey to evaluate long-term patient satisfaction. Of the 225 female patients, 200 who underwent bilateral nipple reduction surgery participated in our survey. This survey showed that our surgical technique is capable of producing satisfactory results. No major complications such as nipple necrosis, delayed wound healing, excessive scar, or loss of sensation were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Our new method for nipple reduction has many advantages such as short learning curve, its ability to control the height and diameter of desired nipple size, and excellent aesthetic results.