Four facts to know about breast augmentation and nipples

One of the most common questions that women have about breast augmentation is how the procedure might affect the size, shape or position of their nipples. In some cases, women hope to address a cosmetic concern related to their nipples as part of their breast enhancement procedure, while in others, women are looking for as little change as possible. Whichever the case may be for you, these four facts about nipples and breast enhancement should be able to give you a better idea of what you can expect.

Adding a breast lift can change the shape of your areolae

The areolae are the darker pigmented areas at the center of each breast that surround your nipples. For some women, large or asymmetrical areolae are a cosmetic concern that they'd like to resolve as part of their breast enhancement procedure.

While breast augmentation alone does not typically affect areola or nipple appearance, adding a breast lift to your procedure can alter their size and/or shape if you so choose. Women who wish to breastfeed may wish to wait until they've completed their families to schedule this specific procedure.

Breast augmentation can fix inverted nipples

Inverted or retracted nipples are often genetic and present from birth, but they can also be caused by trauma or injury. Using a specific surgical technique, a board-certified plastic surgeon can correct inverted nipples during your breast augmentation procedure.

Usually, this is done by making a small, simple incision through which your plastic surgeon can turn your nipple outward for an improved appearance. This simple procedure can also be performed on its own without also getting breast implants if you're not interested in increasing breast volume as well.

Let your plastic surgeon know if your goal is to be able to breastfeed after surgery so that he or she can take this into account when planning your procedure.

Most women can still breastfeed after getting implants

If being able to breastfeed after getting implants is important to you, make sure you bring this up during your consultation with your plastic surgeon. Typically, the peri-areolar incision is avoided when this is the case in order to minimize the chances of interfering with nipple and duct function.

Instead, your plastic surgeon will most likely recommend inframammary incision placement, which should not affect your ability to breastfeed in the future.

Nipple position will soften as your implants settle

Don't be alarmed if your nipples seem to be sitting a little too high on your chest wall directly after your breast augmentation, as this effect is normal. It can take some time for your breast implants to "drop and fluff," or soften into a lower, natural-looking position. Up until this point, implants that are "riding high" on your chest wall can also temporarily affect your nipple position. The good news is that this is only temporary and the position of your nipples should begin to appear much more natural as your breast implants start to settle into place.