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Nipple & Areola Resizing / Reconstruction

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Restore symmetry, proportion, and confidence with nipple and areola resizing or reconstruction at Transitions. This procedure is ideal for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals seeking chest harmony after top surgery. Our expert surgeons—Dr. Leif Rogers and Dr. Walter J. Joseph—customize every detail to help affirm your most authentic self.

Reshape, Resize, and Achieve Optimal Harmony

Nipple and areola resizing or reconstruction is a surgical procedure that adjusts the size, shape, or position of the nipple-areola complex to better align with your gender-affirming goals. It is commonly performed as part of top surgery—either masculinizing or feminizing—but may also be done as a standalone procedure or revision. The goal is to create a natural, symmetrical appearance that complements your chest contour and reflects your identity.

For transmasculine individuals, this may involve reducing areolar diameter, repositioning nipples, or creating new nipple grafts after mastectomy. For transfeminine patients, the focus is often on enhancing nipple projection or reshaping the areola after breast augmentation. Our surgeons use precise techniques to individualize your results and ensure aesthetic harmony.

Nipple & Areola Resizing / Reconstruction Can Address These Concerns:

  • Nipple and areola size that feels out of proportion to the chest
  • Asymmetry between the left and right nipple-areola complex
  • Flat or poorly defined nipple projection after surgery
  • Lack of nipples following mastectomy or chest reconstruction
  • Scarring or irregular borders around the areola
  • Changes in nipple placement due to previous surgeries

Do I Qualify for Nipple & Areola Resizing / Reconstruction?

You may be a good candidate for nipple and areola resizing or reconstruction if you’ve undergone or are planning chest surgery and want a more gender-affirming appearance. This procedure is ideal if your nipples are asymmetrical, disproportionately sized, or absent due to mastectomy. It’s also an option if you’re seeking revision after a previous surgery.

During your consultation, our surgeons will assess your chest anatomy, skin quality, history, and aesthetic goals. Whether you’re looking for subtle refinement or full reconstruction, they’ll guide you through your options and design a surgical plan that reflects your vision.

What Are the Benefits of Nipple & Areola Resizing / Reconstruction?

Refining or reconstructing the nipple-areola complex can have a powerful impact on the overall appearance of your chest and how you feel in your body. Whether performed as part of top surgery or on its own, this procedure helps align your results with your gender identity and preferences. These are some of the benefits of nipple & areola resizing/reconstruction:

  • Enhances symmetry between the left and right sides of the chest
  • Improves nipple and areola proportion relative to chest size
  • Restores a natural-looking nipple after mastectomy or chest reconstruction
  • Creates a more traditionally masculine or feminine chest appearance
  • Corrects asymmetry or distortion from previous surgeries
  • Allows for personalized control over nipple shape, size, and position
  • Supports emotional healing and body confidence during transition
  • Completes the visual outcome of gender-affirming top surgery

The Day of Your Nipple & Areola Resizing / Reconstruction Surgery

On the day of your procedure, you’ll arrive at our accredited surgical center, where your care team will guide you through pre-op steps. After anesthesia is administered, your surgeon will begin by marking the ideal nipple and areola placement. Depending on your surgical plan, they may resize existing tissue, reshape the areola, or create new nipples using grafts or local flaps.

The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and may take one to two hours, depending on complexity. The techniques are tailored to your needs—such as reducing areolar diameter for a flatter chest or reconstructing nipples post-mastectomy. Our surgeons use fine sutures and advanced closure methods to minimize scarring and support optimal healing. You’ll return home the same day with detailed instructions for care and follow-up.

Your Recovery Experience After Nipple & Areola Resizing / Reconstruction

After your surgery, you can expect mild swelling, bruising, and sensitivity around the surgical area. You’ll be given dressings or protective coverings to keep the area clean and supported while it heals. Most patients are able to resume light activities within a few days, but you’ll need to avoid strenuous movement, especially chest exercises, for a few weeks.

Your surgeon will schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing and ensure that the size, shape, and position of your nipples and areolas are settling as planned. If grafting was performed, it’s important to follow all aftercare instructions to protect the tissue during the revascularization period. Over time, any scarring will soften, and the results will continue to refine.

Transition Into Your Authentic Self…

Transitions is a sanctuary for gender-affirming care, where every detail—including your nipple and areola appearance—is treated with precision and artistry. Whether you’re completing your top surgery or seeking aesthetic refinement, our team supports your vision with compassion. Schedule your consultation for nipple and areola resizing/reconstruction in Pasadena and Beverly Hills, and let us help you feel truly at home in your body.

Redefining

Gender-Affirming

Care & Aesthetics

Transitions: Where Your True Self Emerges

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