How much does nipple reconstructive surgery usually cost?

Question

Left nipple is completely inverted. Right nipple lays flat 90% of the time. How much does a surgery like this typically cost? Is it ever covered by insurance?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear callieamarx,the cost of surgery depends on a lot of factors (type of surgery, number of treated areas, anesthesia fee, surgeon, facility fee, city, etc.). It would be the best to visit or call plastic surgery offices and ask for a price.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the question.Technically, most plastic surgeons would not call correction of inverted nipple a "nipple reconstruction;" that term is typically used to refer to reconstructing a nipple for a patient who has had the nipple removed for cancer or from some other trauma. However, inverted nipple repair is quite commonly performed, and typically is NOT covered under insurance as there is usually no functional impairment associated with the inversion. Usually the correction includes undercutting some tethering fibers that are pulling the nipple inward, and sometimes using creative suture techniques to keep the nipple from re-inverting.Another surgeon here quoted a dollar amount that in my mind is rather high for an inverted nipple correction, which is usually easily done under local anesthesia. It would depend, though, on where you have the procedure done, whether you have it under local or with sedation, and whether one or both sides need correction.

Maria M. LoTempio, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Nipple inversion is actually common. Generally insurance will not cover it. The repair is very simple and can be done under an hour with a plastic surgeon. The drawbacks are the inability to lactate and possible sensory loss. The procedure can cost between $3,000.00-4,000.00 depending on where you live. Good Luck.

How much does nipple reconstructive surgery usually cost?

Answers (3)

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