Puffy nipples or enlarged breast tissue are fairly common, but they can cause discomfort and self-consciousness, making it difficult for you to wear light clothing or participate in physical activities. Although they are harmless, puffy nipples can be a cosmetic concern. To learn more about the causes of puffy nipples and how they can be fixed, schedule an appointment with Dr. David Shokrian at Millennial Plastic Surgery. Dr. Shokrian is an experienced cosmetic surgeon and focuses on treatments that provide immediate results for patients seeking relief from abnormal breast appearance. He comes up with customized cosmetic surgery solutions that help you achieve natural, beautiful results and the sense of well-being you want.
Puffy nipples occur when the nipples or areolas form a puffy nipple mound away from the normal curve of the chest. Both men and women can have puffy nipples, but it is a common complaint among males, particularly teenagers going through puberty, a key time in breast development.If you have unwanted puffiness around your nipples, consult your doctor to find out what is causing it and if it can be treated successf
Normally, the areola lays flat with the surrounding chest skin. In the case of a puffy nipple, the areola projects outward. Men also complain that their protruding nipples worsen in warm and hot temperatures. They show through the shirts, causing embarrassment and awkwardness. If you have unwanted puffiness around your nipples, consult your doctor to find out what is causing it and if it can be treated successfully.
What Causes Puffy Nipples?
Our body goes through several changes every day. If you notice a slight change in the puff or shape of your nipples someday, it does not necessarily mean you have puffy nipples, or you have a problem.
For most people, puffy nipples are nipples that have a bit of extra tissue in the areola region. It is also possible you are experiencing this puffiness due to a lack of muscle tone in the chest region.External factors, including diet, medications, and steroid use, can also result in puffy nipples.
Other causes include:
Genetics
Some people are naturally born with puffy nipples, even though it is rare. Studies have shown that in many cases, puffy nipples result due to genetic makeup. If this is the case with you, you will notice your nipples are becoming puffier by the time you hit puberty. However, they will only increase with time to a certain extent. Some people may not even notice their nipples become puffy during their teenage years.
Hormones
Several hormonal changes can also cause puffy nipples in men and women. In some cases, erratically fluctuating hormones may also result in this condition. It happens to women as they get puffy nipples during pregnancy or as part of their monthly menstrual cycle. Many women get puffy nipples right before their period or sometimes during their menstrual cycle. Men with lower testosterone levels can also have puffy nipples.
Sometimes puffy nipples also develop during later years. It may be due to significant hormonal fluctuations during this time. Most people who have puffy nipples due to this reason will only have this condition as long as their hormonal fluctuations continue.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a benign growth of male breast glandular tissue. It is the overdevelopment or enlargement of the breast tissue in men or boys, which leads to excess breast growth around the nipples or man boobs as they are commonly known. It is often brought on by changes in testosterone levels, the male hormone but there may be other reasons for it too. This condition affects up to 60% of men across the world.
Medications or Recreational Drug Abuse
Puffy nipples can also result from using certain medications, steroids, or recreational drug abuse. Cardiovascular drugs, antifungal medications, antiandrogens, and antipsychotics can cause puffy nipples as a side effect.
Usually, symptoms of the puffy nipple can be reversed by diet and exercise, or by stopping the intake of certain medications. However, if the unwanted puffiness around your nipples does not resolve, call your doctor. You may have to undergo nipple reduction surgery to get rid of the problems, particularly if it is caused by excess, stubborn fat or abnormal growth of breast tissues.
How Do You Recognize Puffy Nipples?
Puffy nipples are characterized by a puffy nipple mound that forms away from the normal curve of the chest. It usually occurs due to excessive breast tissue underneath the nipple and areola. The breast tissue pushes the nipple outward, and makes it overly visible, especially in thin shirts.
It also pushes the areola outward causing it to no longer be flush with the surrounding skin. It creates a puffy appearance, which is further exaggerated in warm and hot weather. If you cannot determine if it is puffy nipples or excess fat, seek medical attention.
Are Puffy Nipples Dangerous?
No. Puffy nipples are not dangerous or cause a life-threatening condition. They indicate that you are experiencing hormonal changes or a hormone imbalance. At times, use of certain medications, steroids, or substance abuse can also result in puffy nipples.
Too much chest fat can also cause puffy nipples in men, but this can be corrected with exercise, eating a balanced diet, and liposuction surgery if needed. Puffy nipples are rarely a sign of a serious medical condition.
Treating Puffy Nipples
Puffy nipples can be treated with the right solution depending on the cause. If your condition is occurring from being overweight or obese, then losing weight through exercise or target lifting and a healthy diet is the best way to fix it.
Exercise and diet can take time, and you must be consistent as well as patient, to achieve the desired results. Push-ups, overhead presses, and dips target the chest area and reduce the appearance of puffy nipples. Cardiovascular exercise, swimming, and target lifting routines also tone up pectoral muscles, help shed overall fat levels and build muscles in specific areas of the body, such as the chest.
If your puffy nipples are being caused by hormonal imbalance, medication can fix the problem. In case diet, medication, and exercise fail to achieve desired results, nipple reduction surgery can deliver quick and effective outcomes. Nipple reduction or reduced puffiness can dramatically improve the appearance of protruding, disproportionate nipples and the surrounding areolas.
Nipple Reduction Surgery
Nipple reduction surgery reduces the projection or sticking out of the nipple. The procedure can decrease the circumference of the nipple as well. The surgeon eliminates the strip of skin about the neck of the nipple, which is closed and sutured, and reduces the height of the nipple by pushing a portion of the nipple back into the breast tissue.
It is a straightforward process usually performed under general anesthesia. It can be carried out on its own or in combination with more complex breast surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon focuses on preserving sensation and aims to restore a more balanced, pleasing chest appearance.
Treating Puffy Nipples In Men?
Puffy nipples in men can be treated with changes in diet and exercise. Targeted exercises and dietary changes can reduce the appearance of puffy nipples by reducing body fat and strengthening the chest. Talk to your doctor to explore supplements as a treatment option.
You may also have to stop taking certain medications if they are causing this condition. Male breast reduction surgery or gynecomastia correction is a safe and effective surgical option for fixing abnormally enlarged breasts in men. It removes excess glandular tissue and local fat in one or both breasts. This helps to contour and flatten the chest, as well as improve the appearance of puffy nipples.
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If puffy nipples or enlarged breast tissue are affecting your mental well-being or confidence, it is time to do something about them. Visit Millennial Plastic Surgery to find out the potential causes behind your condition and how it can be fixed. Dr. David Shokrian understands how annoying unwanted puffiness around your nipple can be and comes up with a treatment plan most suitable to your body and health needs. He offers the best breast reduction surgery experience for men and women to help them feel more confident in their looks.
We can’t wait to meet you! We offer comprehensive consultations with Dr. Shokrian, and his team both virtually and in person.
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