Injectable filler in your nipples? The latest trend in breast aesthetics

It seems like not that long ago, it was a significant faux pas to let a little nip slip through your blouse. If it was a cold day or the office cranked up the A/C, you better be wearing a thick bra or have packed a sweater to keep from embarrassing yourself with visible nipples showing through your shirt.

My, oh my, how times have changed. Whether you are a part of the "free the nipple" movement or you are taking a stand saying breasts shouldn't be constantly sexualized, more women are stepping out and showing their authentic selves – prominent nipples and all.

Yet, what if you weren't born with perky, erect nipples and still want to get in on the trend? Perhaps injectable nipple filler is the answer to your breast enhancement goals!

What is injectable nipple filler?

It is true that trends come and go. One day, you are buying bras and pasties that hide your nipples, and the next thing you know, you are buying bras and pasties that accentuate them. Kim Kardashian's underwear brand – SKIMS – is even selling bras with built-in nipples to create that aesthetic of nipples poking through your shirt.

So, if you are ready to fully embrace the perky nipple aesthetic, it might be time to consider nipple filler. Yet, what is nipple filler, and how do you know if you need it?

"Nipple projection can be improved with filler," said Roy Kim, MD. "Typically, it's a hyaluronic filler, like Juvéderm or Restylane. It's a pretty small office procedure. Most patients only need one syringe, half on the right, half on the left, but some patients may need more than one syringe for the best bilateral results."

It may sound wild to have a doctor coming at your nipple with a needle, but more women seem to be embracing the trend. Not only can filler perk up the appearance of the nipples, giving them a perkier, more erect appearance, but Kelly Killeen, MD, explained how nipple filler can help "reshape" the breast area.

"I get this request from time to time, more frequently from women that have had massive weight loss, thin tissue or breast reconstruction," said Dr. Killeen.

She noted that some women have nipples that appear somewhat flat. Fillers can help add projection to the area, giving the nipple a more erect appearance.

"Some filler placed just under can give projection and does last for several years in most patients," said Dr. Killeen.

What to consider before asking for nipple filler

There are a few considerations you want to think about before asking for nipple filler.

"The main thing to consider is that these firmer fillers and permanent products can make a permanently erect nipple, which can be harder to hide under thin clothing," said Dr. Killeen. "Nipple covers may be in your future if you choose to go this route, but it can be a wonderful improvement in the right patient."

Patients may want to be cautious when considering nipple fillers if they still plan to have kids in the future.

"The other thing to consider is that these treatments can cause issues with infection and breastfeeding," said Dr. Killeen. "Injecting or implanting something under the nipple can distort or disrupt the ducts, which can lead to infections and difficulty breastfeeding. All women should be counseled about this prior to the procedure as well!"

Ideally, if you are a younger woman and think you may want to breastfeed children in the future, you may want to hold off on nipple filler injections.

"The unique side effects are possible loss of ability to lactate, possible nipple sensation changes and possible nipple necrosis or loss of blood flow to the area of the nipple that has filler injection," said Dr. Kim. "All of these are pretty rare. In general, I would want patients who are done breastfeeding, if they plan on having no more children, to get this procedure."

If nipple filler sounds appealing but you are looking for a more permanent solution to flat or inverted nipples, Dr. Killeen said there are other options, such as placing small pieces of mesh, dermal matrix or even cartilage under the nipple, which will give them a more permanent improvement.

Although Kristy Hamilton, MD, has not had patients come in requesting nipple filler yet, she noted that not all nipples are the same, which is why this trend is likely seeing a boom.

"Some women have inverted nipples or tethered nipples, and so when we release these bands that are pulling the nipple in, then it's very helpful to place something as a spacer so that it doesn't just scar back down," said Dr. Hamilton. "In that case, I usually use fat because I do it in the operating room, typically at the time of a lift or reduction."

Fat can also be used to give women a more pronounced projection of the nipple, especially if they suffer an inverted or tethered nipple. About nipple filler specifically, she also cautioned women to consider waiting on the procedure until after having children.

Yes, trends today show that nipples are seen as aesthetic accessories, but they are also functional body parts that serve a purpose. It is always best to consult with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who is an ASPS member before going all in on nipple filler.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.