Q: What are the pros and cons of inverted nipple surgery?

Pros The surgery can eliminate a source of self-consciousness. It’s done in the office, under local anesthesia. It takes 30 minutes or less and requires little downtime. The incisions are small—and once they’ve healed, any scarring can hardly be seen. The bumpy surface and natural color variations in the area help camouflage the scar. The surgery can be performed as an isolated procedure or in combination with other breast surgeries, such as breast augmentation or a breast lift. Cons Surgeons try to preserve the nipple ducts, but the procedure may permanently divide them, so breastfeeding is often not possible afterward. While relatively rare, recurrence is possible. Some patients lose nipple sensitivity, though it typically resolves within six weeks.

Question 1

What is inverted nipple surgery?

Accepted Answer

An estimated 10–20% of women have some type of inverted or “shy” nipple, in which one or both of their nipples pulls inward instead of pointing out. Surgery to correct the problem is “a simple operation that can be done under local anesthesia in the office,” says Dr. Susan MacLennan, a plastic surgeon in Colchester, Vermont, in a RealSelf Q&A.

In most cases, there are tight bands of tissue or ducts tethering the nipple so it doesn’t come out, she explains. Simply cutting that tissue can allow the nipple to project normally.

Though it’s quick and effective, the procedure can interfere with a woman’s ability to breastfeed, which is important for younger women to know beforehand. To preserve milk ducts, a newer technique focuses on releasing the surrounding fibers that hold the nipple in. A good examination and consultation with your plastic surgeon will determine the best option for you.

Question 2

What are the pros and cons of inverted nipple surgery?

Accepted Answer

Pros

The surgery can eliminate a source of self-consciousness.
It’s done in the office, under local anesthesia.
It takes 30 minutes or less and requires little downtime.
The incisions are small—and once they’ve healed, any scarring can hardly be seen. The bumpy surface and natural color variations in the area help camouflage the scar.
The surgery can be performed as an isolated procedure or in combination with other breast surgeries, such as breast augmentation or a breast lift.

Cons

Surgeons try to preserve the nipple ducts, but the procedure may permanently divide them, so breastfeeding is often not possible afterward.
While relatively rare, recurrence is possible.
Some patients lose nipple sensitivity, though it typically resolves within six weeks.

Question 3

What’s the cost of inverted nipple surgery?

Accepted Answer

Your cost will depend on your surgeon’s level of experience and practice location. It’s unlikely that the procedure will be covered by health insurance, since it’s considered cosmetic surgery.

You can finance your treatment with CareCredit.

Question 4

What happens during inverted nipple surgery?

Accepted Answer

The procedure takes only a few minutes, and it’s done under local anesthesia. Through a small incision at the base of the nipple, the surgeon uses small scissors to release the adhesions beneath the nipples that tether the nipple down, allowing it to protrude naturally. “Care is exercised not to cut the milk ducts, but this isn’t always possible,” says Dr. Jeffrey Zwiren, a plastic surgeon in Duluth, Georgia, in a RealSelf Q&A. “The release is much like popping a guitar string.” Afterward, two stitches are placed to maintain nipple projection. A protective dressing is applied, to prevent infection and promote healing.

Instead of simply severing the connective tissue in the nipple, the newer technique focuses on releasing the surrounding fibers that hold the nipple in. The treatment involves a small incision at the base of the nipple and the release of the tethering bands, explains Dr. Ziyad Hammoudeh, a plastic surgeon in Miami, in a RealSelf Q&A. “The dissection is performed parallel to the milk ducts so they’re not divided, to preserve breastfeeding ability in the future. After the nipple has been released, it’s sutured in the outward position with dissolvable stitches, to keep it from inverting again.” A 2015 study of 103 patients and 191 nipple corrections found that nearly 7% of women experienced a recurrence.

RealSelf Tip: Make sure you consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with the technique to evert nipples and who understands the specific nerve supply to the nipple as well as the best ways to prevent damage to the sensory nerves, advises Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian, a plastic surgeon in Santa Monica, California, in a RealSelf Q&A.

Question 5

What is inverted nipple surgery recovery like?

Accepted Answer

Patients rarely have discomfort during recovery, so it’s unlikely that you’ll need pain medication beyond over-the-counter options, like Tylenol. “Normal activities can be resumed right away, except for exercise or heavy lifting,” says Dr. James Boynton, a plastic surgeon in Houston, in a RealSelf Q&A.

If dissolvable stitches weren’t used, your surgeon will remove your sutures after one to two weeks. “My patients tend to do really well and are very excited.” says Dr. Jennifer Harrington, a plastic surgeon in Plymouth, Minnesota, in a RealSelf Q&A. “The most common response I hear is, ‘Why did I wait so long to do this?’”

Question 6

How long do inverted nipple surgery results last?

Accepted Answer

The results of an inverted nipple repair are seen immediately, and they should be permanent. Recurrence can happen, but it’s rare.

RealSelf Tip: In very rare cases, nipple inversion can be a sign of breast cancer. If you develop inverted nipples with no apparent cause, schedule an exam with your physician to rule out this possibility.

INVERTED NIPPLE SURGERY

Karyn Repinski

Karyn Repinski

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