Inverted Nipple Correction
Inverted nipple can affect one or both breasts. If inverted nipple is a new change this should be thoroughly investigated by a breast surgeon to ensure that it is not a sign of underlying breast disease prior to embarking on correction.
Women with inverted nipples are often embarrassed or self-consciousness and may have functional difficulties with breast-feeding or sensation. In some ladies the nipple(s) are inverted from an early age whereas in others they become increasingly inverted with each pregnancy and breast-feeding episode. Inverted nipple correction can improve nipple appearance and create better nipple projection.
The cause of inverted nipple is tight bands that extend from the breast to the base of the nipple. During correction, a small incision is made at the base of the nipple and the bands are released. Milk ducts and nerve connections are preserved as much as possible. Sutures can then be placed at the base of the nipple to prevent scar contracture causing recurrence of the inversion.
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic and takes around half an hour. You will have some light dressings to wear inside your bra for a week.
Risks of the procedure include infection, bleeding, permanent numbness and inability to breast-feed.
