In most cases, you can expect good results from your top surgery, without requiring much change to the shape or position of the nipples. However, depending on the anatomy, nipple grafts may be discussed and planned for ahead of the surgery; more on this below.
Most people report a significant improvement in their appearance after surgery. This blog post will discuss what to expect regarding nipple recovery following top surgery.
What to Expect for Your Nipples After Surgery
After surgery, you can expect your nipples to be sensitive to touch and temperature. You may also experience some numbness or tingling. These sensations will usually go away within a few weeks to months. As for appearance, your nipples will be more proportional and may be slightly asymmetrical at first. The areola, the dark area around the nipple, will also be smaller.
You may have some scars around the nipple area that fade well with time. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your nipples after surgery, you can talk to your surgeon about revision surgery.
After nipple surgery, you should almost certainly expect your nipples to be sensitive to touch and temperature. You may also experience some numbness or tingling. These sensations will usually go away within a few months.
For FTM (Female-To-Male) or MTF (Male-To-Female) patients, one or both nipple-areola complexes may be surgically removed and reattached in order to move its location to a more aesthetically pleasing location without sacrificing the health of the nipple. This is called a nipple graft. This is a surgical approach that may need to be implemented depending on 1) how far the nipple needs to be relocated to be centered on the breast or chest, 2) if the blood supply to the nipple(s) is not adequate.
What to Do to Have a Successful Recovery
Preparation on both the surgeon’s part and yours is key to a successful surgery and comfortable recovery process. Follow these tips and your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure the best results.
- It is essential to follow your surgeon’s instructions for wound care and activity restrictions. These include taking all your medications as prescribed and attending follow-up appointments with your surgeon.
- Avoid activities that may put too much pressure or strain on your chest muscles, such as heavy lifting or contact sports. Contact your surgeon if you have any concerns or questions about your recovery.
- Take care of your mental health. The surgery and recovery process can be emotionally taxing. If you feel overwhelmed, reach out to your support system or mental health professional.
- Last and not least, expect to need patience during recovery. It can take several months for your nipples to heal and settle into their final look and sensation. Try to avoid comparing your results to others, as everyone heals at their own pace.
Top Surgery and Revision in Portland, OR
Every person and surgical plan is different, but we hope this helped inform you of what to expect after nipple top surgery. For more information, schedule a consultation with Dr. Fichadia to learn more about nipple surgery and other services like top surgery, and facelifts. You can fill out this form to get the help you need.
