Avoiding the “Bull’s-Eye”: How to Get a Natural Nipple Scar
The Problem: The “Target” Effect
Breast reduction surgery creates a new shape for your breast. However, it also creates a scar around the nipple.
Traditionally, surgeons cut the nipple in a perfect oval shape. When this heals, it can leave a conspicuous white line. This pale scar contrasts sharply against the darker skin of the areola.
The result is often called a “bull’s-eye” or “target-like” appearance. The nipple looks “stuck on” rather than naturally blending with the breast skin.
The Solution: A Ragged Edge
A technique from the Queen Victoria Hospital in the United Kingdom offers a clever refinement to solve this aesthetic problem.
Instead of a perfectly smooth cut, the surgeons use a jagged, shelving incision.
How It Works
- The Cut: The surgeon makes a “ragged” incision all around the nipple edge, rather than a straight line.
- The Slope: They angle the cut toward the center to create a sloping shelf.
- The Fit: This allows the nipple to sit better in its new location. The jagged edges break up the scar line.
This mimics nature. On an unoperated breast, the pigmented nipple skin merges gradually with the surrounding skin. This technique restores that natural, graduated look.
The Results: High Satisfaction
The surgeons tested this refinement on 15 patients undergoing bilateral breast reduction. They monitored the healing carefully.
- Safety: There were zero complications. No patient experienced infection or delayed healing.
- Satisfaction: The aesthetic results were excellent. 90.9% of patients (10 out of 11 fully reviewed) expressed satisfaction with the final shape of their nipple.
Conclusion
You do not have to settle for a “bull’s-eye” scar. Small refinements in surgical technique can make a big difference.
By using a jagged incision, your surgeon can break up the visual line of the scar. This helps the nipple blend naturally with the breast, avoiding the artificial “target” look.
Reference
[1] Pandya, A. N. M.S., M.Ch., F.R.C.S.; Arnstein, P. M. F.R.C.S. “Refinement of Nipple Areolar Placement in Breast Surgery.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 101(3):p 806-807, March 1998.