Inverted Nipple Correction

Nipples develop at puberty and reach their final size at this stage. The normal shape of the nipples in males and females is outward but in many cases the nipple may develop inward, this is known as inverted nipples.

There are two reasons for inverted nipples:

1) Congenital: This consists of an alteration during the embryonic stage and manifests at puberty. The nipple does not grow much and is projected towards the breast with a bilateral appearance.

When both breasts have this appearance there is no risk for the patient and it can be corrected with surgery.

2) Acquired: It may be associated with a breast disease, as soon as this appears a medical checkup should be performed.

One of the associated reasons is the first symptoms of breast cancer.

It is important to differentiate the inverted nipple from the retracted nipple (acquired after surgery, infection or breast tumor) as the treatment is different.

Depending on the severity, the inverted nipple is classified into three types:

Grade I. When the nipple is manipulated it can be removed easily or even without manipulation.

Grade II. It is necessary to manipulate the nipple to remove it, but it becomes inverted again after manipulation.

Grade III. The nipple can never be removed.

It is very important that before undergoing this type of intervention you go to an assessment appointment to know your expectations and advise what is best for you.

Frequently asked questions

Who are candidates?

The best candidate is the patient who presents any of the following symptoms:

The nipple, which after puberty should reach 1 centimeter in length by 1 centimeter in width, does not grow.

Another symptom is that after receiving some stimulation, the nipple projects inward, emphasizing the line in the middle of the areola.

If the condition occurs in adulthood, it will occur in only one breast and not in both.

A line forms in the middle of the breast, indicating that the nipple is turned inward.

What does inverted nipple correction surgery consist of?

Inverted nipples are usually corrected with surgery that consists of a simple procedure by making a small incision at the lower edge of the areola. The scar is practically invisible due to its size.

One of the great benefits of inverted nipple correction is that the results are very natural and leave no scar.

In cases that have to do with a pathology, the treatment is very different, the surgery is no longer for aesthetics but for health. And it will be the doctor who determines what type of treatment should be applied.

There are other types of less invasive treatments to treat inverted nipples such as massages and Hoffman's exercise routines which consists of stretching the nipples with appropriate movements looking to change the direction as a result. However, if you are looking for a definitive method, this will only be achieved by surgery.

What type of anesthesia is used?

Local or general anesthesia is used depending on what the patient chooses with the help of the recommendations provided by the plastic surgeon.

How long does the procedure take?

It can last between 30 minutes to 1 hour, it is not an invasive procedure and does not require hospitalization.

How long is the recovery like?

Recovery is quick, you can return immediately to your work life, it is only recommended not to do physical activity until ten days after surgery.

The objective of this surgery is to restore your self-esteem so that you can lead a normal sexual life. The surgery is also important to ensure that natural activities such as breastfeeding can be carried out.

Technical data

Hospitalization: Outpatient

Anesthesia: Local or general

Surgery Time: 1 Hour

Rest Time: No absolute rest is required