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Nipple reduction surgery by Dr. César Padilla at Quirónsalud Málaga Hospital.
Nipple Reduction Surgery in Málaga
Nipple reduction corrects the hypertrophic nipple: one that is too long, too wide, or both, and looks out of keeping with the areola and the rest of the breast. It has nothing to do with breast size — it occurs in small breasts, large ones and operated ones — and it is usually down to genetics, to pregnancy and breastfeeding, or to the changes that come with age. Men come to the clinic for it too, particularly after gynecomastia surgery. Beyond appearance, most patients arrive for practical reasons: rubbing against the bra and clothing, irritation during exercise, and the feeling that the nipple always shows. It is a small, day-case procedure, usually performed under local anaesthetic.
We measure the height and width of the nipple in relation to the areola and to the breast, and mark out the design before going into theatre. The aim is not a “small” nipple, but one that is proportionate, centred and symmetrical with the other side.
A nipple that is too long or too wide upsets the balance of the nipple-areola complex. Adjusting its height and diameter restores its proportion to the areola and the breast, and along the way corrects the differences between one side and the other, which are more common than people think.
Constant rubbing against a bra or T-shirt, irritation when running and showing through clothing are every bit as legitimate a reason to seek treatment as appearance. Reducing the projection of the nipple makes that problem go away.
The incision is placed at the base of the nipple or where it meets the areola, where the change in skin colour and texture camouflages it. This is day-case surgery: it is done under local anaesthetic, you walk out afterwards, and normal life resumes within a few days.
It works as a standalone procedure and equally as the finishing touch to a breast lift, augmentation or reduction, when the nipple is left out of proportion with the new breast. In those cases it is dealt with in the same operation, with no extra recovery.
Hospital
Consultation, surgery and post-operative follow-up in a leading centre: state-of-the-art operating theatres, intensive care and a private room.
12
Operating theatres
24 h
A&E and intensive care
100 %
Private room
FAQS
It is common for the area to feel somewhat different — more or less sensitive — during the first few weeks. In the great majority of cases sensitivity returns, because the technique respects the nerve supply to the nipple. Where a large reduction in height is needed the change can last longer, and that is explained before surgery, not after.
It depends on the technique. When the reduction is made at the expense of width or of the base and the milk ducts are preserved, breastfeeding is usually unaffected. If the height of the nipple has to be shortened considerably the ducts may be affected, and no honest surgeon will guarantee it 100%. If you are planning to have children, say so at your consultation: it shapes the technique we choose.
It sits at the base of the nipple or where it meets the areola, hidden by the change in colour and texture that is already there. At first it is pink; over the first year it fades until it becomes very hard to see, particularly if the aftercare is followed.
Day-case and short. You walk out the same day, with a dressing that protects the nipple from rubbing. Mild discomfort for the first few days, normal life almost immediately, and no sport or friction for two to three weeks, until your review appointment.
Content reviewed by
Dr. César Padilla
Specialist in Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery
Member of the Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (SECPRE)
15+ years of practice · Quirónsalud Málaga Hospital
Last content review: August 2026
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