Nipple Surgery

In general, nipple is supposed to be more projected than areola.  However, when nipple is inverted, it is not good for both cosmetic and health reasons.

• It cause problem for breastfeeding.
• If the degree of inverted nipple is severe, it could be corrected by surgery.
• On the contrary, if nipple is abnormally big, it also could be corrected by nipple reduction surgery.

◈ Why Inverted Nipple should be corrected ◈

The most important factor besides cosmetic aspect is breastfeeding difficulties after birth.

Surgery Method

◈ Inverted Nipple Correction ◈

There are a diverse range of surgical procedures according to the extend of depression of the nipples and whether patient plans for breastfeeding in future.

There is a simple method of using thread if it is only slight depressed nipple that can be corrected by stimulation.

In the event of a more severe depression nipple, breastfeeding may become difficult because damage to the mammary gland may be inevitable at the time of surgery.

◈ Nipple Reduction ◈

In general, the diameter of nipple is 1cm with approximately 7mm of height.

It is possible to simply reduce deformed nipple which is caused by changes in growth and hormone, and stimulation cosmetically through excision and suture.

1. Regnault Method

Cut the skin of reduced part of the nipple and suture nipples to areola

2. Pitangui Method

Cut upper part of nipple into ‘L’ shape. Then, bend over and suture it.

3. ‘V’ shaped Method

Cut skin as much as patient need and suture nipple to areola.  Breastfeeding will not be possible since lactiferous drifts would be blocked.

This procedure is suitable for …

•  Patient who has inverted nipples
•  Patient who has big nipples
•  Patient who has protruded nipples only when there is external stimulus
•  Patient who has functional problem on nipples after childbirth
•  Patient who has saggy breast due to aging process
•  Patient who need surgery for cosmetic reasons
•  Patient who need re-surgery

Your Guide To Nipple Surgery

Preparing for Your Nipple Surgery

Pre and post-surgery conditioning of your body is important in order for your body to recover in the shortest time from the surgery, which will aid in producing the best results:

It is very important to keep us informed if you have any allergies (drugs, herbs, food), which you may have, or suspected to have.

IMPORTANT REMINDER

Any medical history (high blood pressure, heart problem or diabetes etc) and/or medication allergies, please inform us immediately.

Everyone heal at different pace, some may heal really fast without much signs of bruising and swelling while some may take a longer time to heal and recover. It is very important for patients to stay positive throughout the healing process.

Expected Duration Of Stay ~ 8 days 7 nights

Review/Dressing ~ Day 3 and Day 7 after surgery

Stitch Removal ~ Day 7 after surgery (Subject to Doctor’s review)

Others ~ 2-3 hours stay in Clinic Recovery Room post surgery

Day of Your Surgery

1. Please arrive at our clinic 30 mins before your schedule appointment time.
2. Please DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING 8 hours before your scheduled surgery time.
3. Please do not wear wigs, hairpins, jewelry, false eyelashes, or contact lenses.
4. Remove nail polish, gel nails, acrylic nails and nails extension.
5. DO NOT put on make up.
6. Wear loose and comfortable clothings and comfortable foot wear.
7. This Procedure will be conducted under general anesthesia, and it takes approximately 1 hour and it is normal to experience mild nausea and drowsiness right after surgery.
8. 2-3 hours observation stay will be required in our recovery room after surgery.

Pre-operative Guide for Eye Surgery

DO NOT ~

1. Do not smoke. If you smoke, you should stop for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. Nicotine effects circulation and can slow down healing time.
2. Do not take aspirin or aspirin-containing product, or any Vitamin E for two weeks prior to or following your scheduled surgery. Aspirin has an effect on your blood’s ability to clot and could increase your tendency to bleed at the time of surgery and during the post-operative period.
3. Stop all medications (Except high blood pressure medications) including vitamin C at least 10 days prior to surgery. You may resume taking Vitamin C after surgery as it can help to speed up your recovery.
4. Do not take diet pills or herbal supplements 7 days prior to surgery.  The below-mentioned Medication/Supplements should stop taking 7 days before the surgery.  Weight-loss products and nutritional or herbal supplements (减肥产品或含有草药的补品):  Alpha-lipoic acid (α-硫辛酸), Echinacea (松果), Gingko biloba (银杏), L-carnosine (L-肌肽), Omega-3 (欧米加3), Acetyl- l- carnitine (乙酰基L-肉毒碱), Ephedra (麻黄), Ginseng (人参), Licorice (甘草), Resveratrol (白藜芦醇), Cinnamon (肉桂), Camomile (甘菊), Fish Oil (鱼油), Garlic (大蒜), Glucosamine-glutamine (氨基葡萄糖谷氨酰胺), Chondroitin (软骨素), Kava (卡瓦), Milk thistle (水飞蓟), Skullcap (头盖骨), St. John’s wort (圣约翰草), Creatine (肌酸), Ginger (姜), Goldenseal (毛茛), Multivitamins (多种维生素), Vitamin C & E (维他命C和E), Evening Primrose Oil (月见草油), Royal Jelly (蜂王浆).
5. Do not drink alcoholic beverages for 5 days prior to surgery. Alcohol may create complications and increasing bruising.

DO (Optional) ~

1. You may wish to take Vitamin C two months before surgery for speedy healing for scar. However, please STOP taking them 10 days before surgery date. And continue to take after surgery as long as possible.
2. 片仔癀 (Pian Zai Huang) ~ Traditional Chinese Medication according to Chinese Physician it aid healing, prevent inflammation before & after surgery, reduce swelling & pain. If you intend to consume this traditional chinese medication, take 2 capsules of 片仔癀 (Pian Zai Huang) 1 day before surgery.  After surgery you should take the medicine prescribe by doctor 3 times daily 30 minutes after meal, and as for 片仔癀 (Pian Zai Huang) you should take it at night before you rest & should be taken 3-4hrs after you have taken doctor’s prescription. Please Do Not Mix it together with doctor’s prescription as片仔癀 (Pian Zai Huang) is a very strong chinese medication that will override all kind of medication.
3. 何人可凉茶 (he ren ke liang cha/Herbal Tea) should be taken 1 week prior to surgery to relieve body heat, drink it every alternate day before & after surgery.

Here are some non-compulsory items/treatments that will help to condition your body.

 1.  Manuka Honey UMF 16 ~ Soothing, Conditioning and Boost up your Immunity

2.  Nutritional or Meal Replacement Shake ~ Supplement your normal meals

3.  RX Device ~ Reduce swelling and accelerate recovery ~ SG$220 per pair (2 devices)  RX Device can only be used on Day 1 after surgery.

Medication

1. You may be prescribed with medication that comes in a pre-packed form consisting of different tablets and capsules in each pack.

In most cases, our standard medication like Painkiller, antibiotic and digestive pill are prescribed at no additional cost. Should you required any other special medication, Doctor will provide the prescription for you and the medication may be purchase over any medical counter at your own cost.

1. The Pre-Packed Standard Medication to be taken 3 times a day, 30 mins after each meal, unless advised otherwise.
2. If there are Korean words on your medication such as 아침, 점심 and 저녁, please note that they mean that they should be taken after:

• 아침: breakfast
• 점심: lunch
• 저녁: dinner

If you develop a rash or think you are having an allergic reaction to the medication, please call our clinic immediately.

Terramycin ointment is usually prescribed for patients undergoing surgeries. Please apply this ointment starting immediately after the surgery, over the stitch areas, twice daily. Once in the morning and once in the evening for at least 2 weeks.

Post-Operative Care for Nipple Surgery

Please DO this:

Ice Pack/Warm Pack

• Apply ice pack for 5-10 minutes per side on a hourly basis for the first 48 hours after surgery to help deswell.  (Freeze the Ice Pack before use)
• Apply cold pack at least 3 times per day after 48hrs. (Chill the cold pack in the refrigerator)
• Using an ice-pack is essential to reduce swelling. Apply an ice-pack with a 2-minute interval while sitting down.
• Do not sleep with putting an ice-pack on eyes.
• Apply warm-pack on Day 5 onwards for at least 2 weeks. Warm pack is recommended to enhance blood circulation.  Please put on warm pack after the bruise has changed from purple to yellow.
• To prepare warm-pack, put pack in hot water for 3-5 minutes and let it cool for a while or microwave the pack for 1-2mins.  It should be comfortably warm and must not scald the skin.
• You may wash your lower body and dry clean the upper boday area gently after surgery.  Bathing can resume  after stitch off.

Please DO NOT:

Wound/Stitch/Swelling

• Do not drink alcohol and smoke for at least 1 month post surgery for better blood supply, tissue regeneration and to avoid inflammation. 
• Do not rub or scratch your nipples and do not sleep with your face down.
• Do not pull the scab off the wound or try to open the operated site.
• Do not take the medical tapes off from the operated site.
• Swelling and bruising are expected on day 2-3 post surgery and mostly will subside after 1-2 weeks and gradually over 3-6 months.
• Apply a thin layer of Terramycin ointment on the stitched areas twice a day for at least a week.
• Swelling is caused by temporary damage of blood vessel due to the surgery and application of ice-pack will aid in constricting blood vessels and minimize the degree of swelling.

Must Read Notes

• It is normal to experience mild nausea and drowsiness right after surgery.
• Please abide to all advice on taking of the prescribed medication.
• Vitamin E, Evening Primrose Oil, Royal Jelly Vitamins and Omega-3 should be avoided if you are still having swelling on the surgical site to prevent prolonged swelling.
• After stitch off, there may be redness around the incision area but it will gradually disappear over time.
• Avoid wearing tight bras.
• Nipples should not be compress with pressure post surgery.
• You can swim, hot-bath or resume your exercise 1 month post surgery but do not exert force on the surgical site as bleeding may occur.  Sauna is not advisable when swelling has not subside.
• Intimacy may resume 2-3 weeks post surgery.
• Do not compare your progress with other patients. Remember that everyone’s healing process varies. Also, if you have any questions or concerns, contact us directly.
• Keep your emotion under control and Stay Positive for speedy recovery!
  
  

  Complimentary ITEM Selfcare Pouch

Selfcare Pouch includes ice pack, mini ice pack, cosmetic facial mask, ointment, cotton swab and cotton pad.

• Ice Pack & Mini Ice Pack

To reduce your swelling around your surgical site, you need to apply the ice pack as much as you can do. Mini ice pack can be used for patients who had rhinoplasty

• Ointment

A day later from the surgery, you have to apply the ointment two times a day around your stitches area not make your scar dry.

• Cotton Swab & Cotton

Whenever applying the ointment around your surgical site, you need to use cotton swab to apply them gently. After the surgery, the blood temporarily can be released. That is a very normal symptom and please wipes off the blood with cotton pad.

• Cosmetic Facial Mask Pack

After removing stitches around your surgical site, you can apply the cosmetic facial mask to rejuvenate your skin condition. During your healing process, you may not wash your face as normal daily life.

• Concentrated Pumpkin Juice

Drink it once a day and it helps to reduce swelling.

We hope this helps and good luck for your surgery.

We wish you a speedy recovery!  
If there’s any doubts, please do not hesitate to seek help from us.

Thank you for choosing ITEM Plastic Surgery Clinic! ^^