Your Questions
Your Questions
Q: Dr. Eppley, I was just wondering how much the nipple reduction procedure costs. I have protruding nipples that seem “puffy”. I would love to have them lay flat so that I can quit wearing undershirts and join in on summer activities such as swimming. Please let me know.
A: Thank you for your inquiry. There is a difference between protruding nipples and a puffy areola. While sitting right next to each other, they can be very different and require different approaches to treating. One is a simple office procedure to reduce the length of the nipple. (protruding/raised/long nipple) When men use the term ‘puffy nipple’, they are usually referring to the whole nipple-areolar complex that sticks out which is really a very mild form of gynecomastia. That is treated quite differently by excision of the excessive gland tissue under the nipple through a small procedure done in the operating room. A protruding nipple reduction has no recovery at all while the areolar gynecomastia problem requires several weeks of avoiding strenuous activities such as exercise of swimming.
As you can see, I need a clear idea as to exactly what you are referring to. Sending a picture would be very helpful in making that important distinction between the two conditions.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana
Q: Dr. Barry Eppley, I am a 15 year old male, and I have a excessive areola projection problem. My nipples have been pointy for about 2 years now, and I get made fun of every day for it. I saw some pictures of your surgeries, and I was wondering I you could help me out by giving me some more information about this procedure?
A: As a 15 year-old male, I regret to inform you that I am unable to communicate with you due to your age. In order to share any medical information with you, I must have a consent from your parents to do so. Even though we are just communicating on the internet, the same rules apply as if I was seeing you in the office. Patients under the age of 18 must be either accompanied by a parent or have verbal or written parental consent to talk to them.
Independent of the above e-mail inquiry, male nipple issues are fairly straightforward. Excess areolar projection signifies that there is a limited gynecomastia problem that may be restricted to just the areola. This can be treated by a direct excision of the areolar gynecomastia through a lower areolar incision.
Excessive nipple projection can be reduced through a simple wedge excision and closure. Both nipple and areolar reduction can be performed during the same procedure. This can be done under IV sedation or general anesthesia as a one hour procedure as an outpatient.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana