Can I Have Nipple Surgery While Pregnant to Uninvert my Nipples So I Can Breast Feed?

Question

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Many women with inverted nipples find they have no problem breast feeding, while others do not even try, having been told that it is not possible with inverted nipples.

	Certainly the degree of ductal tethering (and the resultant severity of inversion) has something to do with being able to successfully breast feed, and this is why some women can and others cannot breast feed with this anatomic condition.

	Since surgical correction involves severing some, many, or most of the tethering ducts, breast feeding may become impossible if you undergo surgical nipple inversion correction in the (incorrect) hope that this will allow you to have a nipple that protrudes so the baby can "latch on." The problem, of course, is that the ducts that deliver the milk have been surgically severed! So this is NOT a solution.

	Your breasts will undergo changes during your pregnancy, and your inversion may change as well. See what happens, avoid any elective surgery during pregnancy, and proceed with surgery after delivery only if you are willing to forgo breast feeding. Best wishes on your new addition! Dr. Tholen

Michelle Spring, MD, FACS · Answer

You have a great question.   I don't usually recommend having any type of elective surgery while pregnant, because medications are required for the procedure and we don't want to expose unborn babies to anything we don't have to.  However, I gather that your concern is about the ability to breast feed.   It is possible that you will be able to breast feed with inverted nipples, and having a nipple surgery right now will cause - at least temporarily - inflammation and scar tissue in the very area that you need to be functioning at the time of your child's birth.  My personal advice would be to see a lactation consultant (maybe even before you deliver) to learn as much as you can about how to successfully breast feed, and consider surgery later. Good luck and congratulations!  Dr. Spring

James Romano, MD · Answer

Hello, I have done successful nipple inversion corrections for years that have always worked and this is because the success and permanence in the operation involves cutting the nipple ducts. This means NO breast feeding. A woman taught me years ago that she breast fed by PIERCING her nipple with a barbell and this will evert enough to breast feed then have your surgery later. Let me know if it works for you.

Can I Have Nipple Surgery While Pregnant to Uninvert my Nipples So I Can Breast Feed?

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Can I Have Nipple Surgery While Pregnant to Uninvert my Nipples So I Can Breast Feed?

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Everything you need to know about Nipple Surgery

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