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Breast Surgery
At his La Jolla office near Westfield UTC, Tim Sayed MD, a double board-certified plastic surgeon, reshapes the nipple and areola for patients from across San Diego County. He corrects inverted nipples, reduces long or enlarged nipples, and resizes large or uneven areolas, usually in less than an hour with local anesthesia, and plans each procedure to help preserve sensation and, if it matters to you, breastfeeding.
20+
Years in practice
Double
Board-certified
1:1
Surgeon-led care
At a glance
What it is
A brief procedure to change the nipple or areola: drawing out an inverted nipple, reducing projection or size, or evening out asymmetry, usually with local anesthesia.
Who it suits
Healthy adult women and men who are unhappy with nipples or areolas that are inverted, enlarged, elongated, or uneven.
La Jolla cost
Usually about $1,500 to $4,500, set by the procedure and whether one side or both are treated, and often less per procedure alongside another breast surgery. Financing is available; your written quote gives the exact price.
Procedure time
Roughly 30 minutes a side, and generally under an hour when done by itself, as an outpatient visit with local anesthesia.
Recovery
Back at a desk within a few days, light workouts at about two weeks, and the final shape over a few months.
Provider
Tim Sayed MD, MBA, FACS: double board-certified plastic surgeon, more than 20 years in practice.
In short, nipple surgery covers a few small procedures: inverted nipple correction, nipple reduction, and areola reduction. Most take less than an hour with local anesthesia, and each is planned to help protect sensation and, where possible, breastfeeding.
The procedure
The term covers several cosmetic procedures that change the size, shape, projection, or position of the nipple and areola, including inverted nipple correction, nipple reduction, areola reduction, and nipple reshaping. Most are brief in-office or outpatient procedures under local anesthesia, often finished in under an hour, with little downtime.
Patients usually come in for one of three reasons: a nipple that turns inward, a nipple that is long or sticks out more than they like, or an areola that seems too big or doesn't match the other side. The aim is a natural, balanced nipple and areola, whether you are dressed or not.
This surgery changes the nipple and areola only; it won't make the breasts bigger or lift them. For more volume or a higher position, look at breast augmentation or a breast lift, which are often paired with nipple refinements in a single operation.
Candidacy
You may be a good fit if you are a healthy adult with realistic goals who is bothered by inverted nipples, long or enlarged nipples, or large or uneven areolas. At the Executive Drive office, Dr. Sayed confirms which procedure suits you, checks for any breast concern that needs attention first, and asks about plans for breastfeeding.
are bothered by an inverted nipple, a long or enlarged nipple, or a large or uneven areola
want a natural, balanced look, clothed or not
are healthy overall and your weight is steady
don't smoke, or can give up nicotine before surgery and while you heal
know what the procedure can change, are ready for a short recovery, and have realistic expectations
are pregnant or nursing, or finished recently, because the tissue needs time to settle
hope to breastfeed later and want to talk through duct-sparing options first
have noticed a new lump or change in the breast, which should be checked before any cosmetic surgery
mostly want more volume or a lift, which calls for a different breast procedure
need the result to be guaranteed permanent, because inversion returns in a small number of cases
Keep in mind that this surgery works on the nipple and areola, not on breast size or position. If what you really want is fuller or higher breasts, start with an augmentation or a lift, and the nipple work can be done during the same operation.
Your options
No one procedure is best for everyone; the right choice depends on what bothers you and on your anatomy. Many patients have two done together, and nipple work is often added to a breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction.
Through a tiny incision at the base, Dr. Sayed releases the tight bands holding the nipple in (and the ducts, when needed), then supports it so it stays projected. This can treat grade 1 to grade 3 inversion. Because releasing ducts can affect breastfeeding later, duct-sparing options are discussed if that matters to you.
For nipples that are too long or too wide, in women or men, a small amount of tissue is removed and the nipple is reshaped. It is a quick procedure, usually under local anesthesia, designed to keep the nipple's blood supply and, in most cases, its feeling. The scars follow the nipple's natural contours and usually fade well.
To make a large or uneven areola smaller, a ring of skin is removed around its edge and closed with concealed sutures at the border. The areola ends up in better proportion to the breast, and this is often done with a lift or augmentation. The round scar sits where the areola meets the surrounding skin, which helps it blend in.
Nipple surgery can also address puffy or enlarged nipples in men (often together with male chest contouring), extra (accessory) nipples, and nipple reconstruction after mastectomy. At your visit, Dr. Sayed explains which procedure, or which combination, suits your anatomy and goals.
Match the procedure to the concern: correction for inversion, reduction for long or wide nipples, and areola reduction for size or symmetry. They are often combined, and frequently done during a breast lift or augmentation.
How it works
Most of these procedures take place in the office or an accredited outpatient surgery center under local anesthesia, about 30 minutes per side and typically under an hour in all. With you sitting up, Dr. Sayed marks the planned shape, makes small incisions at the base of the nipple or the edge of the areola, reshapes or releases the tissue, and closes with fine sutures. You leave the same day.
Local anesthesia. Most nipple procedures done on their own use local numbing, so you stay awake and comfortable.
Sedation or general. Reserved for nipple work done together with a larger breast operation.
Outpatient. You go home that day, often an hour or two after the procedure.
Inverted nipple. The tethering bands are released through a tiny incision at the base, and a supporting suture helps hold the nipple out.
Nipple reduction. A small wedge or ring of tissue is taken to shorten or narrow the nipple, keeping its blood supply.
Areola reduction. Skin is removed in a ring at the edge of the areola and closed with a concealed purse-string suture.
Duct-sparing. If you may want to breastfeed, techniques that protect the milk ducts are used whenever your anatomy allows.
Scar concealment. Incisions go at the base of the nipple or the edge of the areola, where scars are less noticeable and usually fade well.
Sensation. Incisions are planned around the nerves to the nipple, which helps keep feeling in most cases.
Nipple work often goes along with another breast procedure. If you are also thinking about size or shape, read about breast augmentation and the breast lift, or browse every option in the breast surgery overview.
Cost
For San Diego patients, nipple surgery usually costs about $1,500 to $4,500. Where you fall in that range depends on the procedure, whether one or both sides are treated, and whether it is combined with another breast surgery. Since it is a minor procedure, typically under local anesthesia, it usually costs less than larger breast operations. You get the exact figure in a written quote after your consultation.
Plan on roughly $1,500 to $4,500, with a lower cost per procedure when it is added to a breast lift or augmentation. The written quote from your consultation is the only exact number, because it reflects your specific procedure and whether one or both sides are treated.
Which procedure. Inverted nipple correction, nipple reduction, and areola reduction each take different amounts of time and work.
One or both sides, and combinations. Treating both sides, or pairing nipple work with a breast lift or augmentation, changes the total.
Anesthesia and facility. Local anesthesia in the office costs less than sedation at an accredited surgery center, which is used when procedures are combined.
Surgeon experience. The fee reflects the training and experience of a double board-certified plastic surgeon in practice for more than 20 years.
Because nipple surgery is almost always cosmetic, insurance typically does not cover it. Financing options let you pay over time, and you can ask for a written estimate on the pricing page.
Recovery
Recovery is quick. Most people are back at a desk within a few days and doing light exercise after about two weeks, while the final shape settles over a few months. You go home the same day with a simple dressing and written instructions.
Day of surgery
A brief outpatient procedure with local anesthesia. You leave the same day in a light dressing and may feel mildly sore.
First week
Expect mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness. Many people go back to desk work within a few days while keeping the area protected.
Weeks 2 to 4
Swelling goes down, and light activity can start at about two weeks. Any stitches that don't dissolve usually come out around day 10 to 14.
Weeks 4 to 6
Most everyday activities and exercise are back, and the nipple and areola keep refining.
3 to 6 months
Scars keep fading and the final shape settles; scars at the areola take several months to mature.
Sleeping. For the first several nights, sleep on your back and keep pressure off the nipples.
Driving. Most people can drive within a day or two, once they no longer need prescription pain medication.
Exercise. Light activity at about two weeks; full workouts once Dr. Sayed clears you.
Bras and garments. Wear a soft, supportive bra without underwire; after inverted nipple correction, a small nipple shield may be used.
Breastfeeding and sensation. Feeling returns in most cases, and duct-sparing techniques aim to keep breastfeeding possible when it is a priority for you.
The surgeon
On an area this small and sensitive, every millimeter counts, so the surgeon matters. Tim Sayed MD holds board certification from both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, trained at UCSF, Harvard, and Massachusetts General Hospital, and has more than 20 years in practice.
He brings that experience to planning scar placement, sensation, and, when it matters, breastfeeding. You meet with Dr. Sayed himself, and he both plans and performs your procedure. You can look over his credentials and training before you come in.
American Board of Plastic Surgery
American Board of Surgery
Fellow, American College of Surgeons
20+ years in practice
The area
The La Jolla office is at 4510 Executive Drive in the University City (UTC) area off Genesee Avenue, and patients come in from around San Diego, including La Jolla Village, Pacific Beach, Torrey Pines, Del Mar, Carmel Valley, and Sorrento Valley. For the regional overview, see nipple surgery in Southern California.
Between La Jolla Cove, Pacific Beach, and the pool, San Diego gives you plenty of swimwear days, so many patients notice how their nipples and areolas look. Nipple surgery refines that detail through small, carefully placed incisions, and the coastal sun is a good reason to keep up scar care while the areola border heals.
4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210
San Diego, CA 92121
Get directions to the La Jolla office on Google Maps
Drive times to the office
La Jolla Village
5 min
University City / UTC
4 min
Del Mar
12 min
Carmel Valley
13 min
Carlsbad
35 min
Encinitas
25 min
Your consultation is a one-on-one visit with Tim Sayed MD at the Executive Drive office, where he looks at your nipples and areolas and talks through the right procedure for your goals. You leave with a clear recommendation, realistic expectations, and a written quote.
Questions
Around San Diego, nipple surgery typically costs about $1,500 to $4,500, depending on the procedure, whether one or both sides are treated, and whether it is combined with another breast surgery. Because it is elective, insurance usually doesn't cover it, but financing is available. The written quote from your consultation is the exact figure.
Usually not. Nipple surgery is almost always cosmetic, so insurance typically doesn't pay for it. You get a written quote, and financing can spread the cost. Nipple reconstruction after mastectomy is handled differently, and Dr. Sayed explains how at your consultation.
Suction devices and hands-on techniques can draw a mildly inverted nipple out for a while, but they seldom last, particularly with grade 2 or 3 inversion, where tight bands hold the nipple in. Surgery is usually the more reliable long-term option. Dr. Sayed grades your inversion and goes over the choices at your consultation.
It may, depending on the procedure. Nipple and areola reductions usually leave the milk ducts intact, but correcting significant inversion sometimes means releasing ducts, which can affect breastfeeding. If you plan to breastfeed, let Dr. Sayed know at your consultation; he uses duct-sparing techniques whenever your anatomy allows.
Most patients don't. The procedures are small and planned to protect the nerves, so feeling is usually kept. You may notice temporary numbness or extra sensitivity while you heal, which generally settles within weeks to a few months. A permanent change in sensation is uncommon after cosmetic nipple surgery.
Done on its own, a nipple procedure usually takes about 30 minutes per side and less than an hour overall, as an outpatient with local anesthesia. When it is added to a larger breast operation, the nipple portion adds only a little time.
It is short. Mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness last a few days; most people return to desk work within a few days and to light exercise after about two weeks. The final shape settles over a few months, and you go home with written instructions.
Nipple and areola reductions generally hold up for the long term, although pregnancy, weight change, and aging can change the area over time. Most corrected inverted nipples stay out, but inversion comes back in a small number of cases and can be treated again if it does.
Yes, and that is common. Areola reduction is often part of a breast lift, breast augmentation, or breast reduction, and nipple reduction or inverted nipple correction can be added to the same operation. Combining them means one recovery and often a lower overall cost.
Yes. Men have nipple reduction for long or prominent nipples and areola reduction for large areolas, often together with treatment for puffy nipples or gynecomastia. The techniques are similar and are tailored to a natural, masculine chest.
Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon who does nipple and areola procedures regularly and plans for scar placement, sensation, and, if it matters to you, breastfeeding. Tim Sayed MD is double board-certified with more than 20 years in practice, and he plans and performs your procedure himself. At your consultation, review his credentials and ask to see relevant before and after photos.
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