Nipple Reduction Pre & Post Operative Instructions

Please Read First

This page provides a condensed overview of key preparation and recovery guidelines for nipple reduction surgery. For complete details—including medication instructions, incision care, and recovery timelines—please download the full Pre-Operative and Post-Operative instruction documents below.

What to Expect

Nipple reduction is typically performed under local anesthesia, with or without light sedation. The procedure reduces the size or projection of the nipples while maintaining natural appearance and function. Most patients recover quickly, with mild swelling or sensitivity that improves within days to weeks.

Note: Nipple reduction is sometimes performed alongside other procedures (such as breast surgery). If combined, anesthesia type, pain control, and recovery timelines may differ. Your surgeon will clarify expectations at your consultation.

Key Pre-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Anesthesia Options:

Local only: Eat and drink normally; you may drive yourself home.
Local with sedation: No food or drink for 3 hours before surgery; you must arrange a responsible adult to drive you home and remain with you.

Medications: Stop aspirin, NSAIDs, and blood-thinning supplements (fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, garlic, etc.) as directed.

Day of Surgery:

Shower with mild soap the morning of surgery.
Do not apply lotions, deodorant, or makeup.
Remove jewelry &/or piercings.
Wear loose, front-opening clothing.

Key Post-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Medications:

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is safe for pain.
Sinnech (Arnica montana) may be provided to help with bruising and swelling.

Incision Care:

Incisions are sealed with surgical glue or Steri-Strips; do not pick at them.
Use nonstick gauze inside your bra if recommended.
All stitches are dissolvable.

Bathing: Shower after 24–48 hours; avoid tub baths, hot tubs, or swimming until cleared.

Activity:

Begin gentle walking the day of surgery.
Avoid reaching overhead, chest pressure, or lifting over 5 lbs for roughly 2 weeks.
Exercise: Avoid strenuous activity and upper body workouts for at least 1–2 weeks. Most patients can gradually resume light activity after this point. Recovery is highly individual, so follow your surgeon’s guidance. If nipple reduction is performed alongside other breast procedures, your restrictions may be longer (4–6 weeks).

Support Garment: Wear a light, supportive (non-underwire) bra or garment as advised.

Positioning: Sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated for 1–2 weeks.

Sun Protection: Protect scars with clothing or SPF 30+ for at least 1 year.

Recovery Expectations

Mild redness, swelling, or drainage may occur for a few days.

Temporary changes in sensation (numbness, tingling, or sensitivity) are normal and usually resolve over time.

Bruising typically resolves within 1–2 weeks.

Itching may occur as the area heals; Benadryl can help if needed.

Emotional ups and downs are common—support is available if needed.

Follow-Up and Support

Urgent Concerns: Contact our office if you experience significant redness, warmth, drainage, fever over 101°F, or severe pain unrelieved by medication.

Emergency Situations: For difficulty breathing, chest pain, or signs of blood clot, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Ongoing Communication:

For non-urgent questions, email: [email protected]
For urgent matters, call the office at (808) 585-8855 (9am–5pm).
After hours, contact the physician exchange at (808) 524-2575.

Appointments: Attending all scheduled follow-ups is essential to monitor healing and optimize results.

Download Complete Instructions

For full details on medications, wound care, scar management, and activity restrictions, please download the complete documents below:

Download Nipple Reduction Pre & Post-Operative Instructions (PDF)

Download Pre- and Post-Operative Instructions: Surgery with General Anesthesia (PDF)