Is There Any Way to Correct my Grade 3 Inverted Nipples While Possibly Maintaining the Ability to Breastfeed and my Sensitivity?

Inverted nipple repair can be performed while preserving many of the ducts. We are publishing our data on our experience with over 190 nipple repairs, many of which were able to breast feed and maintain sensation after. We do not have the data to know just how many though as our study was a chart review and not tracking down the patients to answer these two specific questions. We plan on doing a follow up study to answer them soon. Despite our preservation of the majority of the ducts, there is still a chance that you will not be able to breast feed after.  As you stated, you may not be able to breast feed with your inverted nipples.  However, sometimes they come out with breast feeding. If you plan on having children and breast feeding is a must you should wait to have it done until after.  Hope this helps and best of luck.

It is possible to sometimes pull out an inverted nipple and keep it protruding without cutting the milk ducts.  At other times, the milk ducts tether the nipple excessively and only transecting them can release the inversion.  If that takes place, you will lose your ability to breast feed.  It is best to be examined by a board certified plastic surgeon to see if a procedure without duct transection is possible for you.

To surgically evert the nipple, there will be some injury to the underlying milk ducts.  The degree of injury will depend on how many ligamentous attachments and ducts need to be severed to evert the nipple.  So although there is a chance you may still have functioning milk ducts, there is a real chance that you may not be able to breast feed afterwards.

Judging by your photos, you may experience difficulty breastfeeding, but it's not impossible if you get support. Surgery can be performed to correct the inversion, with minimal risk to your ability to breastfeed. During the surgery, incisions will be made in the nipple area to gently spread spread tissue fibres so that the nipple can be released. Sutures are placed to maintain this, and  a stent may also be used to support the nipple as you recover.

For grade 3 inverted nipples, the ducts likely need to be divided to give a lasting outcome and prevent recurrence. You will likely maintain sensation but will not be able to breastfeed. Consult with a surgeon to discuss options and potential risks.