Correction of Inverted Nipples

Inverted nipples are a common occurrence, whether developing during puberty, after pregnancy or later in life. Normally they are benign, but if they develop later in life and other symptoms are present, then further investigations might be required.

Surgery to correct an inverted nipple (nipple eversion) is an office-based procedure carried out with you awake under local anaesthetic. Results can be very good, but the best results require techniques that cut the milk ducts, which would have an impact on future breast feeding. This will be discussed with you during the consultation and alternatives discussed if appropriate.

WHAT DOES NIPPLE EVERSION SURGERY INVOLVE?

Your nipple and areola will be numbed using careful injections of local anaesthetic until it is completely frozen. Then small incisions are made at the base of the nipple. Depending on the technique required, the ducts may be cut or stretched, an internal stitch may be placed or alternatively small flaps of areola skin may be tunneled under the nipple to prevent future recurrent inversion. Dissolvable stitches are used on the skin and a protective dressing is applied.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CORRECTING AN INVERTED NIPPLE?

After surgery to correct inverted nipples, patients usually experience an improvement in self-confidence and self-esteem. They feel more body confident, and more comfortable wearing certain clothing and with their partner.

HOW LONG DOES THE OPERATION TAKE?

The operation takes around 30-minutes per nipple.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PERIOD AFTER NIPPLE SURGERY?

After surgery, a protective dressing is required to stop your bra squashing you newly everted nipple down again. This is in the shape of a ring doughnut and it is recommended to wear this for around 4-weeks to maximise the chance of surgical success.

HOW LONG BEFORE GETTING BACK TO NORMAL?

Whilst this is a local anaesthetic procedure and few people experience significant discomfort, it is important to take things easy after surgery. This will minimise post-operative problems such as bleeding. No heavy lifting or strenuous activity should be undertaken for 2-3 weeks and you should carefully protect your nipple from being squashed or caught during this time.

HOW SUCCESSFUL IS SURGERY TO CORRECT INVERTED NIPPLES?

Depending on the technique used and the degree of inversion your nipple has to start with, surgery can be very successful. If the nipple has been inverted for a long period and you have never been able to manipulate it out, surgery is not as reliable as the cases in which the nipple can be easily manipulated out.

What Are The Risks With This Sort Of Surgery?

The two procedure specific risks that you need to accept are that the nipple inversion can re-occur, and that any future breast feeding may be affected by the surgery. Should the nipple re-invert, then the surgery can be repeated at a later date.

Other risks include those of all surgery, such as infection and bleeding. Nipple sensation may be altered. There will be scars, but they will be very small and well hidden within the areola skin.