Nipple Reconstruction Surgery in Oakville, Ontario

For some people, the nipple and areola simply do not look the way they desire. Nipple reconstruction surgery can offer a solution for this. There are several types of nipple reconstruction available, and our team at ICLS can provide you with custom care to meet your individual needs.

If you are thinking about any type of reconstruction of the nipple or areola, set up a consultation with our team to learn more about the options available to you.

ICLS Plastic Surgery is a leader in nipple reshaping, serving patients from across the Greater Toronto Area, with our expert care available exclusively at our Oakville location. We understand that each person’s needs are unique, and our personalized approach ensures that your procedure is fully customized to match your aesthetic goals. Whether you’re looking for subtle refinement or a more noticeable change, we’ll guide you through every step of the process.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to start a conversation about your options.

What Is Nipple Reconstruction Surgery?

Nipple reconstruction surgery, including nipple reshaping and reconstruction, as well as nipple reduction or nipple tuck, are procedures that address the size and shape of the nipples specifically. Commonly sought after a mastectomy, this process can rebuild or reshape the entire nipple. In some situations, the surgeon will remove the nipple and areolar tissue to create the desired look.

Is Nipple Reconstruction Surgery Right for You?

There are various situations in which a nipple reconstruction procedure may be beneficial, including:

• After breast cancer treatment
• After a mastectomy for any reason
• Due to breast surgically altered conditions (any type of breast reconstruction could warrant this procedure)
• Damage or injury to the nipple or surrounding tissues
• Cosmetically designed changes to the size or shape of the nipple
• Weight loss-related complications
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding changes to the nipples

This is a surgical procedure, which means that a person should seek out a comprehensive consultation to discuss undergoing surgery.

ICLS performs nipple reconstruction to address three main concerns:

• Inverted nipples
• Enlarged nipples
• Elongated nipples (often caused after breastfeeding)

Consultation with Dr. Khanna

Every person’s specific needs are delicate and require a carefully skilled provider. We encourage you to set up a consultation with reconstruction surgery with our plastic surgeon as a first step. Dr. Julie Khanna offers reliable support and compassion. During your initial consultation, you will learn about nipple reconstruction, how breast reconstruction surgery reshapes your nipple, what you can expect from the procedure, and how your needs could be met.

Dr. Khanna’s personalized approach can make an incredible difference in the outcome of your consultation. You will not find a plastic surgeon more committed to supporting you throughout this process. We encourage you to start a conversation and let us offer insight into what this procedure could do for you.

How Is Nipple Reconstruction Done?

Consider what happens before nipple reconstruction as a starting point.

• Your plastic surgeon will provide a full consultation to discuss your needs and concerns. You will have an opportunity to ask any questions you have.
• Your overall physical and mental health are considered to be sure this procedure is safe for you.
• Your plastic surgeon will then ask about your concerns with your nipple and areola. We will discuss what your goal for this procedure may be.
• A physical examination of your breast tissue is then completed.

Now that you know what happens before a medical procedure, let’s consider what you can expect during nipple reconstruction surgery:

• Most often, nipple reconstruction surgery happens between four and six months after you have breast reconstruction surgery, if that is applicable in your case, or can be done during your elective plastic surgery procedure.
• Your surgeon will provide specific steps to follow during the pre-operative session, including medication needs, how to cleanse your skin, and what you should and should not do the day before.
• You will have a consultation on the day of your procedure to review any risks of this nipple procedure and what steps will be taken.
• The procedure is done using general anesthesia. This means you will not feel anything during the surgical procedure. In minor procedures, just a local anesthetic may be used. For example, a nipple tuck/reduction can be done under local anesthetic, eliminating the need to be put to sleep.

From here, your surgeon will complete the surgical procedure. The specific steps will depend on the types of surgery you have.

• Graft procedure: This may include a graft procedure, which will move the skin from one part of your body to the nipple area, such as from the inner thigh.
• Flap procedure: A flap procedure will create a new nipple using a skin flap from a newly reshaped breast to mould the shape of a nipple.
• Tattoo: In some situations, a medical tattoo procedure is used. This procedure will be less invasive and may be beneficial to add color to a reconstructed nipple and areola.

How Long Does Nipple Reconstruction Surgery Take Place?

This is dependent on the type of surgical procedure you have. Most of the time, after a breast reconstruction procedure, this will require up to an hour to complete. With a medical tattoo, it may be less.

Does Breast Nipple Surgery Leave Scars?

All surgeries will create some scars. However, various factors influence whether you will have noticeable scars in this procedure. For example, the location of the incisions plays a role. Also, following the aftercare treatment your doctor provides could reduce the risk of scar visibility.

Nipple Reconstruction Surgery Recovery

The advantages of nipple reconstruction are that it often is not a difficult procedure to recover from and is often much less invasive or painful than breast reconstruction procedures. Always follow the instructions of your surgeon or tattoo artist after this procedure to ensure you heal well.

First Few Days

• Expect tenderness and soreness in the area. The surgical site will take some time to heal.
• Follow the specific instructions for care provided by your plastic surgeon after your surgical procedure.
• Do not remove any bandages until recommended.

First Weeks

• Monitor your condition over time. If you have a fever, develop new pain, or have swelling, contact your healthcare provider.
• Your surgeon will offer insight into how to support the healing process with a special surgical bra. Always follow these requirements.
• Avoid rigorous activity until your doctor clears you to do so.

How long will the nipple take to heal? That depends on various factors, including your health and the steps you take to give your body time to heal.

Note that six weeks before surgery, a pre-operative appointment with our team at ICLS will provide you with specific information on how to prepare for your nipple reduction surgery or nipple reconstruction procedures to rebuild the tissue. Follow these steps carefully.

Recovering from a nipple procedure will vary widely, but most people will find our team is always here to help and guide you.

How Much Does Nipple Reconstruction Surgery Cost?

The cost of nipple and areola surgery is separate from any breast reconstruction procedure you have. Costs are impacted by the method of creating a new nipple, the shape of your nipple, and the complexity of your health.

Nipple Reconstruction Surgery Side Effects

There are possible side effects from nipple reconstruction surgery, including:

• Discomfort
• Swelling
• Scarring
• Changes in the breast appearance
• And health risks

Dr. Khanna’s expertise and approach will work to minimize the risks you face throughout this procedure.