How can I have inverted nipples corrected? (photos)

Question

I'm a mum of 3 and have gone under to have the nipple correction surgery. However it didn't correct them and the are ducts cut. They still invert. I want them corrected. Can any doctor fix them? As the surgery I had was the butterfly procedure. I need a doctor to tell me if they can fix these unsightly breasts of mine. Please help. Willing to travel anywhere in Australia.

Luis Macias, MD, FACS · Answer

I have had success in some of the revision cases,  I can count two patients, this year alone, in which the first attempt was not successful, one performed by myself and another elsewhere where the revision lead to the nipple staying out. We are publishing our data on our experience with over 190 nipple repairs, in 103 patients, over a 7 year period, nine of which were revisions (another attempt). 13% of 103 patients recurred with our technique which preserves the nipple ducts, so there is a known recurrence rate. We did not break the study down to look at the recurrence rate of revision inverted nipple repair because the number of patients was small.    The success rate is much lower with the revision, but it is possible.   Hope this helps and best of luck.

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

If only the ducts were cut, you may require the division of the remainder of the structures that are tethering your nipples to cause the inversion.  This usually involves dividing all the structures under the nipple and placing a internal suture to ensure the nipple stays everted.  In my practice we do this using a 1cm incision under the nipple.

Daryl K. Hoffman, MD · Answer

After cutting the ducts, the nipples need to be held out or they will often re-invert during healing. Piercing the nipples and placing a barbell is very effective.  The piercing can be removed later.

Burr von Maur, MD · Answer

You photos show that nipples are still inverted. This occasionally happens after surgical correction. If you don't plan to breast feed, a second surgical  attempt should suffice.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures. I am sorry to hear about the recurrence of the nipple inversion, despite surgical intervention. Although it is difficult to give you precise advice, without in-person consultation, some general thoughts may be helpful to you. Ultimately, in person consultation with well experienced plastic surgeons in your area will provide you with the most relevant information/advice. Inverted nipples can cause functional problems for women and emotional concerns. An inverted nipple can look flat or a slit like depression or hole at the normal nipple location. There are different degrees of inverted nipples possible. Whether a patient is a candidate for correction of inverted nipples  depends on the  extent of the problem.Usually correction of the inverted nipples involve division  of the lactiferous (milk ducts). The risks  of the procedure include potential loss of sensation, inability to breast-feed, recurrence of the asymmetry and the potential need for further surgery.My advice to patients go something like this...  If the nipple is permanently inverted and does not evert  with stimulation, then it is a useless nipple  when it comes to sensitivity and/or breast-feeding. In these  cases correction of inversion is indicated (because the potential gains outweigh the risks outlined above).  On the other hand, if the nipple does evert  spontaneously with  or without stimulation,  then I am more reluctant to perform the procedure given that the risks may outweigh the potential benefits.  At that point, the decision is the patient's to make after careful consideration.I hope this, and the attached link, helps

How can I have inverted nipples corrected? (photos)

Answers (5)

More Inverted Nipple Surgery Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (5)

More Inverted Nipple Surgery Questions

Is there a way to breastfeed after an inverted nipple correction? (photo)

Can excess nipple or breast skin be removed even if I'm past 50 years old?

Occasional inverted nipple. Should I be concerned?

Random inverted nipple: Causes?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS