Inverted nipple surgery

An inverted nipple is a nipple that appears to be pulled inwards rather than pointing outward. It can be caused by shorter than usual milk ducts, by prior surgery to the nipples or breast, or by an infection or inflammation of the milk ducts beneath the nipple.

Some people may have nipples that will protrude and point outward when stimulated, but then invert again when the stimulation stops. Inverted nipples can occur in both men and women and sometimes a person can have just one nipple inverted. Most women with inverted nipples are able to breastfeed successfully, although there might be a bit more discomfort initially. In fact, breastfeeding can be an effective process for inverted nipple correction for some women.

Generally, an inverted nipple is a cosmetic problem. However, a nipple that becomes inverted can be a symptom of breast cancer and should be checked out.

The easiest process for inverted nipple repair is to regularly stimulate the nipples to a protruded state. Pull on the nipple to stretch the restricting tissue and hold it for several seconds. Do this several times a day. Regularly using a breast pump or a suction device can also help with inverted nipple correction.

If these methods don’t work, plastic surgery can also correct an inverted nipple. However, inverted nipple surgery can also impair a woman’s ability to breastfeed or prevent it entirely. The surgery may also impair sensation in the nipple.

Inverted nipple surgery is not complicated and can usually be done under local anesthetic in about an hour.

The procedure involves releasing scar tissue or shortened milk ducts. The incision is very inconspicuous. Usually, you can go home several hours after inverted nipple surgery, and can shower on the next day. Stitches are generally removed after 5 days.

Examples of this kind of surgeries performed at our clinic can be found in our gallery.