Inverted Nipple Correction

Surgical Inverted Nipple Correction

Many women are born with inverted nipples, nipples that do not protrude but instead point inward, and others develop them during puberty, after weight loss or months after the cessation of breastfeeding. While the great majority of inverted nipples do not represent a medical problem, rarely an inverted nipple could herald a serious condition such as breast cancer, especially if one develops rather suddenly. Therefore, the onset of an inverted nipple should be evaluated by a medical provider, preferably a breast surgeon.

Dr. Perrotta, Dr. Luppens, and Dr. Kerestes are very experienced in correcting inverted nipples. They utilize a rather simple procedure they normally perform with local anesthetic alone. The procedure takes approximately 45 minutes.

Goals Of Inverted Nipple Correction

Candidates For Inverted Nipple Correction

What to Expect at your Consultation

Dr. Perrotta, Dr. Luppens, and Dr. Kerestes, will devote as much time as necessary to discuss your individual goals and needs with you. After a focused physical examination, your surgeon will provide preliminary recommendations and explain what you can expect from surgery.

Once your surgeon determines his surgical plan, our aesthetic coordinator will produce a written quote, which lists all costs of your proposed surgery so that there are no surprises. At that time, an appointment is set for your pre-op visit.

Pre-Op Visit

Much is covered during your pre-op visit. First, one of our highly trained medical assistants will take pre-op photos. Next, your surgeon will explain the surgical technique to you and thoroughly inform you as to what you can expect, including any potential complications. Note that all procedures involve some risk, but major complications are rare. Dr. Perrotta, Dr. Luppens, and Dr. Kerestes, will then obtain a more complete medical history from you and perform a final pre-op physical examination, including a check of your vital functions to ensure that you are physically fit for surgery. All informed consents for surgery will be filled out at this appointment and final payments are due at this time. You will be notified 24 hours prior to your surgery with your arrival time.

The Procedure

During this procedure, the plastic surgeon numbs the nipple by injecting anesthetic such as lidocaine. Several incisions are made where the base of each nipple should be. Through these incisions, the milk ducts are stretched or severed. As the nipple is outward, small flaps of skin are pulled through the new base of the nipple in order to prevent it from sliding back into the breast. The incisions are then closed with sutures. The surgeon or his/her assistant then applies a donut dressing.

Post-Op Recovery

Recovery from this procedure is quite simple.

The donut dressing must remain in place, as it protects the nipple from pressure which could flatten it. The sutures are removed 6-10 days post-op.

FAQ’s

Who is a good candidate?

Women with inverted nipples who are not planning to breastfeed in the future are ideal candidates for this procedure. It is essential for anyone experiencing sudden nipple inversion to seek evaluation by a medical provider to rule out severe conditions like breast cancer.

When will I see the results?

Results from inverted nipple correction are immediate, but the final appearance and healing will be evident after the swelling subsides and incisions heal, typically within a few weeks.

How long do the results last?

The results of inverted nipple correction are generally permanent, especially when the milk ducts are severed to prevent retraction.

What should I do before and after?

Before the procedure, patients should follow specific instructions from their surgeon regarding medications and fasting. After the procedure, it’s essential to care for the surgical site as directed, typically involving keeping the area clean and wearing appropriate dressings to support healing.

Is there any downtime or side effects?

Patients usually have minimal downtime and can return to regular activities within a day or two. Temporary swelling, bruising, or discomfort may occur at the incision sites.

What can I expect?

The procedure takes 45 minutes under local anesthesia. It involves making incisions at the nipple’s base, stretching or severing the milk ducts, and securing the nipple in a protruding position using skin flaps. Sutures close the incisions, and donut dressing is applied. Proper follow-up care is crucial for healing and satisfactory aesthetic outcomes.

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