If you’re considering having heart-shaped nipple surgery, there are a few things you need to know first. Here’s everything you need to know about the procedure, including what to expect and how much it costs. Plus, we’ll answer some common questions about heart-shaped nipple surgery.
What is a Heart-shaped Nipple?
Heart-shaped nipples are a type of nipple surgery that is becoming a new trend as one of the body modification procedures. This surgery involves reshaping the areola and nipple to create a heart shape. There are many reasons someone might want this surgery, including wanting to feel more confident in their body or improving the appearance of the breast.
Nipple Shaping: The Procedure
Heart-shaped nipples are a popular body modification procedure. Two types of surgery can achieve this look: nipple tattoo and nipple graft. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Nipple Graft Surgery
First, you need to find some board certified plastic surgeons specializing in this procedure. Unfortunately, only a handful of plastic surgeons in the country perform this surgery, so you may have to travel to find one.
Once you’ve found some plastic surgeons, schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and expectations. During the consultation, your surgeon will examine your breast and determine if you’re a good candidate for the surgery.
They will also go over the risks and potential complications with you. Make sure you ask plenty of questions to feel comfortable with the surgery.
The Nipple Graft Procedure
Nipple graft surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure. This means you can go home on the same day as your surgery. The surgery itself takes about two hours to complete.
First, your plastic surgeons will make an incision around your areola. Then, they will remove a small amount of tissue around the areola to reshape it into a heart shape. Once they’re happy with the shape, they close the incisions with sutures or skin adhesives.
After the nipple graft surgery, your breast will be wrapped in gauze or an elastic bandage. You will also be given pain medication and antibiotics to help manage pain and reduce your risk of infection. It’s important to take it easy for at least a week after the surgery so your breast can heal properly.
How Much Does Heart-shaped Nipple Surgery Cost?
The cost of heart-shaped nipple surgery varies depending on the body modification procedures, location, and the procedure’s extent. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 for this surgery.
Nipple Tattoo
The first thing you’ll need to do is find a certified tattoo artist who has experience doing nipple area tattooed. Make sure to look at their portfolio and read reviews from other clients before making your decision. Once you’ve found the right tattoo artist, schedule a consultation to discuss your desired look.
During the consultation, your tattoo artist will map out the area where they’ll be tattooing and determine the size and placement of your heart-shaped nipple tattoos. Your tattoo artist also go over the aftercare instructions so that you know what to expect once the tattoo is finished.
The Nipple Tattoo Procedure
The actual tattooing process is relatively quick, painless, and similar to getting a regular tattoo. Your tattoo artist will use a small needle to inject ink into the outer layer of the skin. The nipple tattoos will take about two weeks for the recovery process. During this time, it’s important to follow your aftercare instructions carefully to keep the area of your incision clean, prevent infections, and ensure proper healing.
How Much Does Nipple Tattoo Cost?
The cost of nipple tattooing varies depending on the tattoo artists, the design, the location, and other factors. Typically, heart-shaped nipple tattoos cost $600-$800 for both nipples. Some artists may charge by the hour, ranging from $100 to $250 per hour.
Some insurance plans may cover the cost of nipple tattooing if it is done for medical reasons, such as to cover up scars from mastectomy surgery. However, most insurance plans will not cover the cost of cosmetic nipple tattooing.
Benefits of Heart-shaped Nipples
#1 Enhanced Aesthetics
One of the most apparent benefits of heart-shaped nipples is that they look better than regular nipples. So if you’re unhappy with the way your nipples look, this surgery can give you the boost in confidence you need to feel good about yourself.
#2 Improved Sensitivity
Another great benefit of heart-shaped nipples is that they can improve sensitivity. This is because the nerves in the area are stimulated during the surgery, leading to increased sensation in the nipples. This can be excellent for men and women looking to improve their sex life.
#3 Increased Pleasure
In addition to improved sensitivity, heart-shaped nipples can also lead to increased pleasure. This is because the new shape of the nipple provides more surface area for stimulation. This can be a great way to spice up your sex life and make things more enjoyable for you and your partner.
#4 Increased Self-Esteem
Increased self-esteem and enhanced sensitivity are another common benefit of nipple reconstruction. After undergoing such a significant surgery, feeling anxious or self-conscious about your appearance is not uncommon. Nipple reconstruction can help you feel like yourself again—and that’s priceless.
Risks and Complications Associated With Heart-shaped Nipples
Bleeding and Infections
As with any surgery, there is always a risk of bleeding and infections. This can occur during or after the surgery, while infection typically occurs after the surgery. To minimize the risk of bleeding and infection, carefully follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions. This includes keeping the surgical site clean and dry, taking your antibiotics as prescribed, and avoiding strenuous activity for at least two weeks after the surgery.
Nipple Sensitivity
Another potential complication of heart-shaped nipple surgery is reduced sensitivity instead of increased area’s sensitivity. This is because the nerve endings that provide sensation to the nipple are cut during the surgery. In most cases, the sensation will return over time, but it may be reduced permanently in some cases. If you are concerned about losing sensation in your nipples, discuss this with your surgeon before the surgery.
Asymmetry
Although heart-shaped nipple surgery usually successfully creates symmetrical breasts, there is always a risk that the breast will not be identical. This is due to factors such as tissue elasticity and healing rates. If you are concerned about asymmetry, discuss this with your surgeon before the surgery so that they can take appropriate steps to minimize this risk.
Scarring
There is a risk of scarring after heart-shaped nipple surgery. The scars may be visible if you wear revealing clothing or have very fair skin. If you are concerned about scarring, discuss it with your surgeon before the procedure.
Complications from Anesthesia
There are also risks and complications associated with anesthesia. Discuss these risks and complications with your doctor before the procedure.
How Do You Prepare for This Procedure?
First, you’ll need to find a qualified surgeon. Look for someone who’s board certified and has experience performing this type of surgery. Once you’ve found a surgeon you trust, schedule a consultation to discuss your goals for the surgery.
During your consultation, your surgeon will examine your breast and talk to you about your medical history. Be sure to ask questions about the surgery, including what to expect during and after the procedure.
Once you’ve decided to proceed with surgery, your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare. These instructions may include quitting smoking, avoiding certain medications, and stopping alcohol consumption at least two weeks before surgery. Following your surgeon’s pre-operative instructions is crucial for ensuring a successful surgery.
What to Expect After the Procedure?
After your surgery, you can expect swelling and bruising around the incisions, which should subside within a few days. However, it’s important to avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks so that your incisions have time to heal properly. You should also avoid wearing tight clothing or putting pressure on your chest.
Most people feel well enough to return to work and their normal activities within a week or two. However, it may take up to six weeks for your incisions to fully heal and for all of the swellings to subside. It’s also important to note that your results will not be immediately visible after surgery; it can take up to three months for your final results to become apparent.
What Is the Healing Process Like?
After surgery, your areolas will be covered with gauze dressings. These should be removed within 24 hours. You may also have drains in place to help reduce swelling. These will usually be removed within a week.
You will likely experience some pain and swelling. Your surgeon will give you pain medication to help manage any discomfort. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions during your recovery to heal appropriately.
Most people take 1 to 2 weeks off work or school to recover from heart-shaped nipple surgery. During this time, you should avoid strenuous activity, lifting heavy objects, or participating in any activities that could cause you to sweat excessively. You should also avoid sun exposure and hot baths during your recovery period.
Your surgeon will likely schedule follow-up appointments so they can check on your healing progress and remove any stitches if necessary. Therefore, it’s important to attend all your follow-up appointments so your surgeon can ensure that you are healing properly and can go back to all your normal activities.
Final Thoughts
Heart-shaped nipple surgery is a relatively simple procedure that can help improve the appearance of your breasts. The results of this surgery are usually permanent, though you may need additional surgery down the road if your nipples begin to sag again. Overall, heart-shaped nipple surgery is a safe and effective way to achieve your desired results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you surgically change the shape of your nipples?
If you’re unhappy with the shape, size, or appearance of your nipples and don’t want to go through life feeling self-conscious, then Las Vegas cosmetic surgeon Dr. Samir Pancholi is there for all consultations! He can help reduce large/prominent nips and reshape stretched-out ones after pregnancy & breastfeeding; he also has experience repairing inverted pegs.
How much does it cost to tattoo your nipples?
The price of a nipple tattoo can vary depending on where you live and what type your artist does, but expect to pay at least $350 for one nip or more if paying out-of-pocket. Many insurance companies also cover this procedure, so make sure they’re aware before going through it.
How do they reconstruct a nipple?
Your reconstructed breast is built with skin and fat, giving you an elevated nipple. Some patients use synthetic fillers to make their nips stand out.
Can nipples be transplanted?
The nipple is sensitive, and surgeons want it to look just as good on the breast mound. They will use skin from another part of your body (such as those found inside!) for you to have matching scars where needed.
