From a young age, we’re taught that breasts come in all shapes and sizes and that when it comes to boobs, the notion of normal doesn’t necessarily exist.
However for some of us, certain things we see as imperfections have left us concerned, embarrassed and unwilling to expose ourselves even to those closest to us.
Here Mr Adrian Richards, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at The Private Clinic of Harley Street, discusses some of the most common concerns women have about their breasts – and how to solve them.
Certain things that we see as imperfections have left us concerned and embarrassed
INVERTED NIPPLES
What is it?
Nipple inversion is caused by an imbalance between the inward traction of the milk ducts and the traction of the muscle within the nipple, which essentially pulls the nipple outwards.
If the inward force is greater than the force exerted by the muscle within the nipple, inverted nipples will result.
There are different grades of inverted nipple, with grade one being the least inverted and four being the most. Often, women who suffer with inverted nipples don’t realise quite how common they are.
Is there a solution?
Firstly, it’s worth checking with your GP to make sure that everything is as it should be. If nipple inversion occurs later in life, it could be a sign of underlying breast pathology or possibly even cancer, so it’s best to check with your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Mr Adrian Richards, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at The Private Clinic of Harley Street, discusses some of the most common concerns women have about their breasts
If your doctor confirms that there is no reason for concern, but you still feel self-conscious about your nipples, then it could be worth considering a form of correction.
Inverted nipples can be treated non-surgically or through a minor surgical procedure. The grade of nipple inversion will determine which treatment is the right one for you.
In the majority of cases, nipple correction can be delivered under local anaesthetic, and the procedure can permanently correct the inversion. However, those who undergo the operation will no longer be able to breast feed because the milk ducts are divided during the procedure.
It is therefore a step which women who are contemplating having a baby in the future should consider very carefully before taking.
SAGGING BREASTS
What is it?
There are two main causes of sagging breasts, also known as breast ptosis: weight loss and childbirth/breastfeeding. In both cases, breasts lose a significant amount of volume, particularly in the upper part of the breast, and the nipples will also lie at a lower position.
Sagging breasts, which can be caused by weight loss, childbirth or breastfeeding, can cause back problems, difficulty in buying certain types of clothing and discomfort
This can cause back problems, difficulty in buying certain types of clothing and discomfort during exercise.
Is there a solution?
Breast uplift surgery, also known as a mastopexy, is similar to a breast reduction in that it works by lifting the nipples and tightening the skin. This procedure – in comparison to a breast reduction where breast tissue is removed – only removes skin, and the breast tissue is preserved and reshaped.
It’s important to note that if you’re considering a breast lift, this procedure cannot reduce or increase the size of the breasts. It’s designed to reshape the tissue you already have.
ENLARGED AREOLAS
What is it?
The areola is the brown/pink area around the nipple. The average diameter of a normal areola is 4-4.5cm, and medical studies have shown that the ideal diameter of the areola should be in the region of 4.7cm (for an average height woman).
Many women feel their areolas are too wide, too low or of an abnormal shape, which can have a significant impact on confidence and self-esteem.
However, it’s important to note that all breasts vary significantly in size and appearance, and it is very common for women to feel that their areolas are larger than perhaps what they perceive to be normal.
All breasts vary significantly in size and appearance, and it is very common for women to feel that their areolas are larger than perhaps what they perceive to be normal
Is there a solution?
Areola reduction surgery can help with either the size or shape of your areolas. The procedure is relatively quick, performed under general or local anaesthetic, and can be performed on both men and women.
After areola reduction surgery, patients can expect to see a decrease in the size of their areola, a more rounded areola shape, a tightening of the breast skin and the nipple elevated to a slightly higher position.
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