Life Healthcare is a leading private hospital operator in South Africa and primarily serves the market for privately insured individuals, representing approximately eight million people. The group provides mainly acute care, high technology private hospital services.
The extensive hospital network includes 64 hospitals (of which 57 are majority owned by Life Healthcare and another seven in which the group holds substantial minority ownership), providing a range of healthcare services throughout South Africa.
What is Nipple Reduction?
Nipple reduction is carried out to decrease nipple size. Nipple reduction can also include reshaping of the nipple to create better nipple proportions and reduction of the areola, the darker area surrounding the nipple. Nipple reduction may take place alongside breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction.
How is Nipple Reduction carried out?
Nipple reduction is achieved by removing excess tissue from the nipple through tiny incisions on the nipple itself. The surgeon will carry out the procedure either to reduce the length of the nipple or the width of the nipple, or both.
About Nipple Reduction
Key facts to plan your treatment: how long it takes, your hospital stay, anaesthesia, risks and recovery.
Duration of surgery/treatment
The nipple reduction surgery takes around 1 hour to complete.
Days admitted
None. Nipple reduction is carried out on an outpatient basis.
Anesthesia
Nipple reduction is performed under a local or general anesthesia, depending on the preference of the surgeon and the patient.
Recovery
- The average full recovery time for a nipple reduction is 1 to 2 weeks.
- Patients can return to work and normal activities after 1 or 2 days.
- Patients should avoid strenuous activity for 7 to 10 days.
Risks
Nipple reduction is a straightforward surgical procedure but some risks do exist.
Risks include:
- Infection.
- Unsatisfactory results and the need for a second surgical procedure.
- Bleeding.
- Bruising.
- Loss of the ability to breast feed (extremely rare unless the milk ducts are cut).
After care
- Manage discomfort and bruising with prescribed medication.
- Keep the dressings dry.
Hospital Group
Hospital Group
Private Hospital