Inverted Nipple
According to research, about 10% of women have partially or entirely inverted nipples, which can cause psychological discomfort and various health problems. Inverted nipples can complicate breastfeeding, while insufficient areola hygiene leads to the recurrence of nipple inflammation, and women become insecure. Plastic surgery can help regain the aesthetic appearance of the breasts and avoid health issues.
When can inverted nipples should be performed?
Women have inverted nipples for several reasons. Genetically retracted nipples form due to unusually short milk ducts or insufficient supporting tissue. Nipple defects can also occur after trauma, infectious or oncological breast diseases, or complicated breastfeeding.
Your doctor will evaluate your case and recommend the course of treatment. Treatments may vary depending on the degree of nipple inversion. If surgical nipple plastic surgery is required, it may be combined with breast augmentation, a breast lift, or done on its own.
Nipple inversion degrees
- Grade I. The nipple pops out and retains its shape by gently clicking the areola. Breastfeeding is usually not complicated at the first degree of nipple inversion, making this more of an aesthetic problem.
- Grade II. Nipples can be pulled out, but it is more complicated to achieve than in the first degree of inversion. In addition, the nipple does not maintain its shape and tends to retract. Breastfeeding is possible with the second degree of nipple inversion, but it is more complicated due to damaged milk ducts.
- Grade III. Nipples are severely inverted, and the only way to pull them out is with the help of a plastic reconstructive surgeon. With grade III inversion, breastfeeding is not achievable. The nipple area is often itchy, and infections may occur frequently.
Important: The operation cannot be performed if the patient suffers from severe breast disease.
How do you prepare for nipple correction?
First, before the operation, the desired result is discussed with the doctor, and all the necessary tests are done. You should tell your doctor if you have any diseases and allergies or if you are taking any medication. It is recommended not to use anti-inflammatory drugs before surgery as they may increase the risk of bleeding. We advise stopping smoking for at least four weeks before and after surgery.
How is the inverted nipple surgery performed?
There are two types of inverted nipple surgeries. In one of them, the shortened milk duct gets disconnected from the nipple while it stays untouched during the other. If it is necessary to disconnect the milk duct, you will not be able to breastfeed after having surgery.
The inverted nipple correction can be performed under local or general anesthesia based on the patient’s request and takes about an hour. Small incisions are made at the lower edge of the nipple, and the anatomically typical nipple position is formed. Nipple reduction may also be completed during the same surgery.