Inverted Nipple Surgery

Inverted nipple surgery contraindications include one or more of the following: 

• Being in the period of pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Being age under 18
• Having any infections around the breast area
• Having other health problems
• Having unrealistic expectations from the procedure

The surgery duration will take 1 hour.

Before performing an inverted nipple correction surgery, the patients should be evaluated and the degree of their condition should be determined. Inverted nipple condition is divided into three grades:

• Grade one: minimal inversion. The nipples may protrude in cold weather and when manually stimulated.
• Grade two: moderate inversion. The nipples cannot protrude easily or for longer.
• Grade three: severe inversion. The nipples never protrude and it is impossible to breastfeed at this stage.

Inverted nipple correction is usually done under local anesthesia. The surgeon creates a very small incision around the base of your nipple. The incision is circular, going all around the nipple. Then the nipple and areola are both lifted from the breast and sewn into a protruding shape.  Patients suffering from severe nipple inversion will also have the milk ducts cut, in order to release and reposition the nipple and this will allow the nipple to protrude. The area is then bandaged with medicated gauze and the procedure is complete. 

Patients can experience some degree of swelling, tenderness, and soreness around the corrected nipple for around 2 weeks during recovery time. Most patients return to work in about 2 days after the procedure but heavy physical activities should be avoided for approximately 2 weeks as well, giving the nipple ample time to heal. Patients also need to avoid wearing any padded bras or tight tops during these 2 weeks. 

Risks and complications associated with inverted nipple surgery can include:

• Scarring may occur
• Infection may occur
• Nipple could invert again
• Milk duct may be damaged

Side effects associated with inverted nipple correction can include:

• Discomfort
• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Partial nipple necrosis
• Delayed healing

Inverted nipple surgery is successful in 90% of cases after 2 years of follow-up, but it depends on the degree of inversion the patient is suffering from.

Patients can see the procedure's results 2 weeks after the nipples have healed. Some women can experience nipple inversion after a period of time.

Can I Breastfeed After Inverted Nipple Surgery? 

The answer depends on the degree of your situation. Generally speaking, patients with severe inversion do not breastfeed after inverted nipple correction.

How Long Do the Results Last?

The results of this surgery are usually permanent, but some factors, such as pregnancy or rapid weight gain, may cause the nipple to be inverted again.

Are There Any Alternatives to Inverted Nipple Correction?

If the patient suffers from a mild grade of inversion, some exercises and remedies may be helpful, but they do not fully solve the problem. Although the surgery is more effective, there is also an alternative inverted nipple treatment without surgery during which a device is used called niplette.

When can I get back to sports after the treatment? 

You can expect to get back to exercise after 2 weeks.