Nipple Reconstruction
Nipple Reconstruction Surgery in Cyprus, Greece and Malta
Nipple surgery aims to reduce the size of the nipple, correct nipples invaginated into the areola, or reshape the nipple and the areola complex to achieve more attractive and proportionate nipples.
Patients can undergo nipple reconstruction as an independent procedure, or combine it with other cosmetic surgeries, such as breast lift, breast augmentation and breast reduction.
For patients who have recovered from cancer and mastectomy, nipple reconstruction involves reconstructing a new nipple and areola complex as part of the breast reconstruction surgery.
What Is Nipple & Areola Reconstruction?
Nipple reconstruction is a plastic surgery performed to correct the shape, size and projection of the nipple-areola complex for cosmetic reasons, or create a new nipple for women who have had a mastectomy.
One of the most common reasons patients opt for nipple surgery is to change the look of inverted or retracted nipples. Nipple inversion is a common abnormality of the nipple. The entire nipple points inwards instead of outwards, and lies flat – except when stimulated.
Nipple inversion can cause problems with breastfeeding and further issues as women get older, apart from solely aesthetic concerns. However, they do not cause any discomfort to patients.
Women who had a mastectomy and removed one or both of their nipples can have surgery to recreate the nipple as well as the dark area around the nipple (areola). Having the nipples reconstructed (or tattooed) is an important final step of the breast reconstruction process for many women.
What Does Nipple Reconstruction Surgery Involve?
Step 1: Anesthesia
The first procedural step is local anesthesia performed by a certified anesthesiologist – unless combined with other breast procedures.Step 2: Skin Incisions
Skin incisions are hidden in the junction of the areola with the breast skin, and are not visible after healing.Step 3: Closing the Incision
The surgeon closes the incisions in layers to ensure minimal scarring.What Are The Techniques for Nipple Reconstruction?
There are several methods to reconstruct your nipples. Dr. Stavrou will analyze them during your initial consultation, after assessing your breast’s condition, medical history, and aesthetic expectations.
- Skin Flap Reconstruction: The surgeon folds and stitches together small skin flaps from the reconstructed breast to create a mound that will form the new nipple. Extra skin, fat or synthetic fillers can offer nipples a more lifted look. The areola is created later by tattooing or by using skin from other body areas, such as loose skin on the lower belly.
- Nipple & Areola Reconstruction: Also known as “the Hammond flap,” the surgeon uses large skin flaps from the breast to recreate the nipple projection and the areola.
- Autologous Graft/Nipple Sharing: If only one of the breasts was removed during mastectomy, the surgeon can use part of the unaffected breast’s nipple and graft it into the new breast to form a new nipple. The only prerequisite is for the unaffected breast’s nipple to be big enough.
- Nipple Tattoo for Medical Reasons: Medical tattooing can help achieve a natural-looking nipple and areola complex on a reconstructed breast.
- Nipple Reduction Surgery: The surgeon reduces the projection of the nipple and the size of the areola in women who feel uncomfortable with their long areola and large nipples. The procedure includes removing just the top of the nipple and making small incisions to remove excess tissue.
Duration
30 minutes
Anaesthesia Used
Local Anaesthesia
Hospital Stay
Day Surgery
Pre Admission Tests
Blood Tests
Downtime
1-2 weeks
Driving
Next Day
Exercise
1 month
Final Result
2-3 months
Where Will Nipple Reshaping Take Place?
Dr. Stavrou performs nipple reconstruction in accredited medical centers in Cyprus (Nicosia and Limassol), Greece (Athens) and Malta (Sliema).
The procedure takes place in a safe and sterile operation room. The surgeon uses the most advanced medical equipment for all types of breast surgery, including nipple reduction surgery and reconstruction. The staff involved is thoroughly trained and specialized in cosmetic procedures. Dr. Stavrou wants to ensure a safe, well-controlled and comfortable surgical experience for all of his patients.
After the procedure, the patient is transferred to the recovery suite and is closely monitored by the medical staff.
The European Institute of Plastic Surgery (EIPS) offers exceptional health care and meets the high standards of safety and care set by European laws. EIPS clinics provide individualized health care in a beautiful, exclusive and luxurious environment.
What our patients say!
Rhinoplasty. Dr. Stavrou did an excellent job with my nose, the results are incredible, as good as the ones he has posted on his social pages. I had no pain after the surgery, no complications, everything went smoothly. The recovery was very fast, like 3 weeks. Dr. Stavrou was very kind and professional, I felt very comfortable with him and his team. I trusted him since the first meeting. I highly recommend him to everyone.
Natalie ArsalideApril 18, 2022.Dr.Stavrou goes above and beyond to be helpful throughout the whole experience. Overall I am very happy with my results as it is everything I envisioned and more.
Roberta MifsudMarch 24, 2022.Edit: I thought I'd add to my review after 1+ year post operation! I got my nose done by Dr Stavrou 27 months ago. The results are beyond excellent and I couldn't ask for better service from the doctor and the team! For anyone who's wondering, almost all of the swelling and bruising was gone after 2 weeks and my nose currently looks like it did about a month after the operation. I highly recommend him!! Old review: Today is the 10th day after my rhinoplasty with Dr Stavrou. Dr Stavrou operated on me following a functional rhinoplasty performed by my otolaryngologist. It was a painless experience and the results have exceeded my expectations! It hasn't affected my daily activities apart from the fact that I was not allowed to work out excessively. The swelling and bruising has almost disappeared completely. The results are excellent and I finally have a nose that complements my face. Not to mention the entire team was very helpful! Thank you so much Dr Stavrou!
Christina KakoulliMarch 4, 2022.Ήθελα εδώ και χρόνια να κάνω μείωση στήθους και η αλήθεια δεν το τολμούσα. Είχα ακούσει τα καλύτερα λόγια για τον Δρ. Δημήτρη Σταύρου και το αποφάσισα. Είναι ένας εξαιρετικός γιατρός αφοσιωμένος στην δουλειά του και με επαγγελματισμό σου δίνει το καλύτερο αποτέλεσμα. Για μένα το αποτέλεσμα είναι ένα μικρό θαύμα νιώθω υπέροχα! Γιατρέ σ' ευχαριστώ πολύ για το άψογο αποτέλεσμα. Εύχομαι καλή συνέχεια και με την καταπληκτική σου δουλειά να κάνεις χαρούμενους ανθρώπους.
Demetra DemetriouFebruary 7, 2022.After years of not feeling so confident , due to my breast size I met Dr. Stavrou and from my first consultation I knew he was the right doctor for my procedure. Totally calm and assertive , he guided me to the correct choice, resulting in a perfect outcome making me feel not only extremely confident now but also natural ! I highly recommend him to any women who is facing similar issues. Dr Stavrou thank you once again !!
Tekla MadarJanuary 23, 2022.Η περίπτωση μου ήταν λιγότερο συχνή και διαφορετική από αυτές που ακούμε στην καθημερινότητά μας. Μεγάλες αυξομειώσεις βάρους (40-50 κιλά) μετά από δύο βαριατρικές επεμβάσεις για αντιμετώπιση της νοσογόνου παχυσαρκίας, με αποτέλεσμα την υπερβολική χαλάρωση του δέρματος σε πολλά σημεία του σώματος. Είχα την τύχη να ακούσω για το Δρ. Σταύρου από φιλικά άτομα, και όταν αποφάσισα να επισκεφτώ πλαστικό χειρούργο ήταν ο πρώτος που πήγα και εκεί άκουσα και έμαθα για το body contouring. Ακολούθησαν πολλά ραντεβού, άπειρες ερωτήσεις, απορίες και φόβος από την πλευρά μου. Όλες οι απαντήσεις του Δρ. Σταύρου άμεσες και ειλικρινείς, ακόμα και αυτές που δε μιλούσαν για βελτίωση όπως ήθελα να ακούσω! Καμιά απάντηση δε δόθηκε απλά για να μου «χαϊδέψει» τα αυτιά. Ο ίδιος με παρότρυνε να επισκεφτώ και άλλους πλαστικούς για να ακούσω και άλλες γνώμες. Τελικά, ήταν ο μόνος που με έπεισε, ο μόνος που μπορούσε να καθησυχάσει το φόβο, το άγχος και την αγωνία μου και ο μόνος που είχε απάντηση σε ότι τον ρωτούσα και έτσι ακολούθησα το ένστικτό μου και επέλεξα τον Δρ. Σταύρου για να προχωρήσουμε μαζί σε όλο αυτό που αποφάσισα να κάνω. Ήξερα από την αρχή ότι τα χειρουργεία θα ήταν πολύωρα και αυτό με φόβιζε περισσότερο αλλά ο γιατρός ήταν εκείνος που με την ηρεμία του με καθησύχαζε. Σε περίοδο έξι μηνών υποβλήθηκα σε δύο πολύωρα χειρουργεία. Η μετεγχειρητική μου πορεία και στις δύο επεμβάσεις ήταν η καλύτερη δυνατή και η ανάρρωση πολύ πιο εύκολη από όσο περίμενα και από όσο προετοιμάστηκα ψυχολογικά να αντέξω. Όλα όσα μου είπε ο Δρ. Σταύρου για τη μετεγχειρητική πορεία, τον πόνο και την ταλαιπωρία, δεν ειπώθηκαν απλά για να με «παρηγορήσουν» να μη φοβάμαι και να μην ανησυχώ. Ήταν όλα ειλικρινή και αντικειμενικά. Όπως ακριβώς μου τα περιέγραψε, έτσι ακριβώς έγιναν. Ακόμα και στα θέματα που αφορούσαν τη ψυχολογία μου ο γιατρός ήταν εκείνος που ήρεμος, μετρημένος και χαμογελαστός με καθησύχαζε. Γιατί όταν ένα άτομο μπαίνει στη διαδικασία να αρχίσει κάτι τόσο σημαντικό, δε μετράει μόνο το να είσαι άψογος σαν επαγγελματίας απέναντί του, αλλά και το να γνωρίζεις τη ψυχολογία του ασθενή σου ανάλογα με την κάθε περίπτωση και ο Δρ. Σταύρου κατέχει την πρώτη θέση και στα δύο!! Αισθάνομαι τυχερή που επέλεξα να εμπιστευτώ στα χέρια του γιατρού Δρ. Σταύρου την αποκατάσταση του σώματός μου και που ο φόβος δεν με απέτρεψε από το να αποφασίσω να κάνω όλα όσα η περίπτωσή μου απαιτούσε, ώστε να έχω το καλύτερο δυνατό αποτέλεσμα. Θα ήταν άδικο αν ο φόβος και η ανησυχία για τα πολύωρα χειρουργεία, τον πόνο και την ανάρρωση δε με άφηναν να έχω κάτι καλύτερο. Γιατρέ μου σε ευχαριστώ για όλα! Συνέχισε το λειτούργημα που κάνεις με τον ίδιο ακριβώς τρόπο που το κάνεις γιατί είναι σπάνια και μεγάλη αρετή να έχεις την ικανότητα και τη δύναμη να χαρίζεις τόσα πολλά χαμόγελα στους ανθρώπους!
Chryso ΚJanuary 22, 2022.I empiria mou me tin epemvasi rinoplastikis itan arketa kali..to apotelesma mou einai ekseretiko aksizi ton kopo!! o giatros mu poli kalos kai eksipiretiko olo to prosopiko! Den ixa kanena idietero pono oute taleporia mono 2-3 meres imun pio prosektiki meta itan ola mia xara, stin evdomada ekana oles tis kathimerines drastiriotites pu ekana kai prin..aksizi ton kopo kai me to parapano tha to ksanakana!!🙂
eleni tirimouJanuary 21, 2022.Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 213 reviews
Recovery After Nipple Reconstruction
Recovery depends on the extent of the procedure. You can return to your everyday activities within 1-2 days.
Nipple reconstruction is an outpatient procedure, which means patients do not need to stay overnight in the hospital or clinic unless combined with another breast plastic surgery.
The plastic surgeon gives patients precise instructions for smooth and quick recovery.
Part of the post-operative plan is having an antibacterial nipple shield or other protective dressing taped over the new nipple. Patients should avoid using soaps with harsh chemicals that can irritate the nipples.
Right after the surgery and probably for the first days post-op, the nipples might look larger, red, swollen, or more pointed than expected. However, soon they will start to shrink and look well-projected and beautiful, just as expected.
Results are long-term, although changes in body weight, pregnancy, or aging may alter the nipples’ appearance.

Meet Dr. Demetris Stavrou
Dr. Stavrou is a board-certified Plastic Surgeon leading the European Institute of Plastic Surgery since 2012. He was trained in top Medical Institutions in Greece, London, Melbourne and Israel. He has extensive experience in all types of plastic surgery and an artistic eye. He is compassionate and always by the side of his patients to make them feel comfortable, secure and confident. For Dr. Stavrou, paying attention to the details is what makes the difference in cosmetic procedures.
- Assistant Professor, St George’s, University of London / Medical School at the University of Nicosia
- Honorary Tutor at the University of Cardiff, School of Medicine, UK
- MSc with Distinction in “Wound Healing and Tissue Repair”, University of Cardiff, School of Medicine, U.K
- Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS)
- International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) Instructor
- Fellowship in “Advanced Aesthetic Surgery” from the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery – Monash University, Australia
- Nicosia, Cyprus +357 70088002
- Limassol, Cyprus +357 70088002
- Greece +30 6971881572
- Malta +356 79317641
FAQs for Nipple Reconstruction
Can you get surgery to make your nipples smaller?
Nipple reconstruction is ideal for all people who wish to have smaller nipples.Dr. Stavrou will examine your nipples and assess your condition, including your medical history and skin quality. Then, he will let you know if you can undergo a nipple reduction to improve or correct your nipples’ shape and size.
How long do nipples take to heal after nipple reduction?
The discomfort after the nipple reduction surgery is usually minimal. Most patients having nipple reduction recover within just a couple of weeks.
Can you breastfeed after nipple reduction or reconstruction?
One of the most common concerns of women thinking about undergoing nipple reduction or reconstruction is whether they will be able to breastfeed after the surgery.
An experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon will ensure the milk ducts and nerves in the breast area are preserved, so that women can successfully breastfeed after any type of breast plastic surgery, including nipple reduction.
If you have further concerns or questions about nipple reduction and breastfeeding, contact Dr Stavrou and his team at +357 9787 3787 or +357 700 88 002 (for Cyprus), +30 6971 881 572 (for Athens), or +356 793 176 41 (for Malta).
Do you lose feeling in your nipples after nipple reconstruction as part of breast reduction?
Sensation after nipple reduction or reconstruction during breast reduction or any other type of breast surgery gets back to normal in most cases.
Medical tourism in Cyprus & Greece for breast revision
Cyprus and Greece are popular destinations for medical tourism. People from all over Europe and Eastern countries choose to have plastic surgery in Nicosia, Limassol or Athens, where they can find experienced plastic surgeons and state-of-the-art medical equipment for all types of plastic surgeries.
If you have any questions and concerns about nipple reconstruction, reach out today to the accredited European Institute of Plastic Surgery (EIPS) and Dr. Stavrou at +357 9787 3787, +357 700 88 002 or +30 6971 881 572.
How long does it take to heal from areola surgery?
Healing time after areola reduction can vary from person to person but typically takes several weeks. Initially, there may be swelling and bruising, but these subside over time. Full healing, including scar maturation, may take several months. Following post-operative care instructions, such as wearing compression garments and avoiding certain activities, can aid in the healing process.
Does areola surgery scar?
Yes, areola reduction surgery does result in scars, but they are typically minimal and well-concealed within the natural border of the areola. Over time, scars tend to fade and become less noticeable. Dr. Stavrou uses techniques to minimize scarring, such as careful incision placement and the use of fine sutures.
Do your nipples look weird after a breast reduction?
The outcome of nipple appearance after breast reduction largely depends on the surgical technique and the expertise of the surgeon. In the hands of a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Stavrou, nipple aesthetics are usually well-preserved. Nipple shape, size, and position are carefully considered during the procedure to achieve natural-looking results. Any concerns about post-surgery nipple appearance should be discussed with your surgeon during the consultation.
Do nipples grow back after surgery?
Nipples do not grow back after breast reduction surgery. The procedure involves reshaping and repositioning the nipples, but once the tissue is removed, it does not regenerate. Skilled surgeons ensure that the nipples remain proportionate and aesthetically pleasing after the surgery.
At what age can you change nipple size?
The age at which you can consider changing nipple size through a cosmetic procedure such as areola reduction or nipple reduction varies from patient to patient. It’s essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your specific needs and determine if you are a suitable candidate for these procedures.
Do nipples get bigger with age?
Nipple size can change with age due to various factors, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, hormonal fluctuations, and natural aging processes. Some individuals may experience nipple enlargement over time, while others may notice changes in nipple texture and appearance. If you are concerned about nipple changes related to aging, a consultation with Dr. Stavrou will help explore potential solutions.
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