The problem
The nipple is internally formed of milk ducts.
Milk ducts can shorten and scar causing the nipple to look inverted or turned inwards.
The nipple loses perkiness.
This can be something a woman was born with, or it may develop later in life for many reasons such as trauma, infection and inflammation.
Sometimes it just happens.
When only one nipple is affected, and it happens out of the blue we must exclude breast cancer first.
Usually, it affects both nipples and is medically harmless but can lead to self-consciousness such as during intimate situations.
Many women live with inverted nipples for a while before seeking plastic surgery correction and are surprised at the relatively straightforward solution to their problem.
The solution
Nipple inversion correction is a surgical procedure performed to correct the milk duct abnormality and perk up the nipple.
How is nipple inversion correction performed
Nipple inversion correction is performed under local anaesthetic.
Small incisions are used to access the milk ducts and release them.
Specific suture techniques are used to hold the nipple’s new position.
The small nipple incision is closed with fine stitches and a nipple-protection dressing is placed.
You can go home the same day with good painkillers and some antibiotics.
Potential complications
The hallmark of a good surgeon is in honestly discussing complications with patients.
My philosophy is to run a boutique practice with few, well informed and selected patients than a production line approach.
All surgeons suffer complications even if the operation is performed to the highest standard.
The complications of nipple inversion can be minor including wound infection, temporary bruising and swelling which everyone gets to a varying degree, pain and temporary numbness around the scar.
All scars are red and thick to begin with and then mature over a period of 6-18 months.
In some people, pathological scarring can be genetic causing hypertrophic and/or keloid scars. If you have had one of these scar types, any cosmetic surgery risks these happening again.
Bleeds under the skin can cause blood collections called haematoma which must be drained quickly as they can cause skin necrosis and infections.
There may be mild asymmetry between right and left but most people do not have perfectly symmetrical breasts to begin with.
Your nipple sensation might change becoming over or under-sensitive.
There is a risk of complete or partial nipple necrosis. This is exceedingly rare however as the nipple has good blood supply and the incisions used are small and leave most of the blood supply untouched.
You will not be able to breast feed afterwards and this surgery is not appropriate if you wish to breastfeed in the future.
Revision surgery may be required if the inversion recurs, which is a rare possibility.
This list gives the worst-case scenario, but most people do not experience any issues.
Importantly, most complications are treatable and staying in touch means I can help you through should you suffer any of these complications.
Downtime and recovery
Nipple inversion correction takes about an hour to perform.
You will be required to wear a nipple-protector dressing for a total of 2 weeks.
Initial swelling and bruising will start to subside within the first week and continue to improve.
If your job is non-contact, you would be able to continue so this operation can be done as a “lunchtime” surgery.
A wound check will be performed at the hospital after 1 week.
You will need to be driven from the surgery, but I am happy with you driving from the next day provided you wear the nipple-protector dressing and a surgical bra.
Lifting, such as a small child after 4 weeks is usually appropriate.
Heavy lifting and gym are usually allowed after 4-6 weeks.
These guidelines are meant to reduce risks of complications, so it is crucial to follow them.
They are also general, and your regimen will be discussed with you.
You will also have access to my team to guide you through.
Do I qualify for nipple inversion correction?
The consultation is the crucial point at which I will gather your medical history, perform a breast examination and discuss your suitability.
We will also have a detailed discussion of the points discussed above to ensure that you are fully informed and that I am the appropriate surgeon for your needs.
What to do next
If considering nipple inversion correction surgery, get in touch using the contact forms below and I’d be delighted to help you.