Inverted nipple correction
Inverted nipples
Inverted nipples are fairly common and are a variation of normal. It is common for an inverted nipple to be present on only one side or for the two sides to have different degrees of inversion.
There is a range of severity from temporary inversion through to permanent deep inversion. Some women are very embarrassed about their inverted nipples. They can be corrected with a quick procedure under local anesthetic if they cause sufficient concern and do not respond the more conservative methods.
Frequently asked questions
General questions
In most cases breast duct tissue within the breast is fibrotic and pulls the nipple inwards. The degree of tightening will determine the severity of nipple inversion.
A new nipple inversion on one side only is a possible sign of a breast cancer or other internal breast condition and should be checked by a doctor.
Surgery is done under local anaesthetic for a fixed cost. For the current fixed cost please either email us or phone us on 0800 268 526..
The quoted cost for surgery covers everything including, theatre fees, consumables, any additional consultations after the first consultation and all the follow up for dressings and checks in the first year after surgery. This cost includes GST.
Surgery is performed under local anaesthetic as a day stay procedure. An incision is made at the base of the nipple and the tight breast duct tissue divided. A dissolving stitch is placed within the nipple to hold the position and then a donut shaped foam dressing placed. This is covered with a waterproof layer so you can shower straight away. The dressing is removed a week later.
The risks
Complications specific to this surgery include possible interference with breast feeding once the ducts are divided. If possible the surgery should be deferred until breast feeding has been completed although people with severely inverted nipples usually cannot breast feed anyway. Mildly inverted nipples may self correct after breast feeding.
Part of the nipple may retract again. If this occurs in my patients I would correct it free of charge.
Temporary loss of feeling to the nipple is usual but should fully recover after a few weeks in most cases.
There is a small risk of the blood supply to the nipple being affected by surgery causing the loss of some of the nipple tissue. If this occurs healing will take longer.