Is the flap technique effective for inverted nipple repair?

Question

I had a consultation with a surgeon today who said he uses a flap technique to help my grade 2 inverted nipples. I wanted to ask if this technique is effective and recommended as he wasn't able to show before and afters so I'm a little unsure. The technique is that the nipple is split into two flaps and one flap is folded under to give the nipple some substance to stay projected. Then there is just a stitch that goes horizontally across the nipple. Please let me know!

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Flaps are good for missing tissue, not retracted nipples. The gold standard is a simple procedure of retracting the nipple outward, and cutting the tight facial bands within the core of the nipple that connect it to the mammary glands. An internal purse string suture is placed at the base, to prevent it from 'sliding' back down, and a dressing is fashioned to hold things in place for a week. It works extremely well every time.

Daniel P. Markmann, MD · Answer

Hello RS member.   There are different techniques to correct inverted nipples.  The cause of nipple inversion is usually due to the ducts to the nipple being too short.     That technique you mentioned sounds a little more invasive, aggressive and probably more deforming than necessary.    I use a very simple technique.  It includes a very small scar along the lower areolar border.  An instrument is used to Evert the nipple.   The nipple is then held out in the everted position with sutures.   It is allowed to scar in this everted position.  I have never had a recurrence of the inversion.   If the inversion is very tight, then on a rare occasion i may need to cut the ducts to the nipple which are the cause of the inversion.  The downside of this is inability to breastfeed as well as potentially nipple numbness.   But, this is very rare!

Good luck to you

Is the flap technique effective for inverted nipple repair?

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Is the flap technique effective for inverted nipple repair?

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Inverted Nipple Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.