Nipple Retraction

Why choose to correct the inverted nipple?

Inverted nipples in women is a common phenomenon, with the main reason being the existence of shorter and tighter than usual milk ducts. This condition may concern one or both nipples and the severity of the problem depends on whether the nipple remains permanently hidden or becomes inverted under certain circumstances. Permanent inverted nipples are less likely to respond to non-surgical treatments.
Inverted nipples, apart from being viewed as a major aesthetic problem, can also cause problems with breastfeeding. A non-invasive way to solve this problem is to use a painless device that gently sucks out the inverted nipple. In some cases, breastfeeding itself may restore the inverted nipple, but if this fails, surgery may be required.

If an inverted nipple occurs at a later stage in a patient’s life, it may in some cases be due to a breast disease, including breast cancer, and the patient should be screened by a specialist mammologist.

Treatment of inverted nipples

There are two different surgical techniques that can be applied to correct inverted nipple:

Milk Duct Dividing Surgery

This method is applied to the majority of cases. The shortened ducts are divided and the nipple everted using a combination of stitches and re-shaping. You cannot breastfeed after this type of operation.

Milk Duct Preserving Surgery

With this technique milk ducts are mostly preserved, as only those that are very short are cut, thus leaving the majority of ducts intact. This procedure gives the majority of patients the option of breastfeeding but has a higher failure rate.

The nipple correction surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, no hospitalization is required and the patient can go home immediately afterward. It has a fast recovery time and is generally well tolerated by patients.

Medication

In our clinic, a complete medical history is always taken before each surgery. As a precaution, over-the-counter medicines or herbal products should not be taken before and for 3 days after surgery. It is also considered necessary to avoid taking non-steroid, anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin (salospir), ibuprofen (Nurofen), diclofenac, and any other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drug.

Smoking

If you are a smoker you should try to stop smoking for at least 1 week before and 1 week after the surgery as this will dramatically reduce the incidence of postoperative complications and help achieve the best possible result.

Recovery after inverted nipple surgery

Post-op instructions and recovery

Wounds will be healed within a few days and other than a mild irritation recovery will be very fast.

Absence from work

Patients usually feel able to return to work the next day and are fully recovered and back to normal activity by 1-2 weeks.

Wound dressing and sutures

During the recovery period, we would advise patients to wear gauze or padding over the nipple to avoid rubbing on underwear or clothing.

Possible complications from inverted nipple surgery

An inverted nipple is a routine operation and is completely successful for the vast majority of our patients, which is a result of the large number of cases that doctors have in their belts. However, as with any surgery, it is very important to understand that there is a possibility of complications. Possible complications are listed below:

Bleeding or infection

These are as common as with any other surgery.

Recurrence of inversion

This can happen in up to 25% of patients, depending upon the technique used.

Inability to breastfeed

Any surgery to treat nipple inversion can lead to an inability to breastfeed.

Altered nipple sensation

If this does occur, it is unlikely to last long term. If you experience any side-effects that you are concerned about please don’t hesitate to contact us.