Inverted Nipple Correction

Inverted nipple correction can involve just one or both nipples. Women with inverted nipples may face embarrassment or self-consciousness, or can have functional difficulties with breast feeding or erogenous sensation. Some women note their nipples are increasingly inverted after they have finished having children; nipples correction can also be part of a Mommy Makeover. Inverted nipple correction can normalize nipple appearance and create better and more aesthetic nipple projection.

During inverted nipple correction, congenitally tight bands that extend from the breast to the nipple base are divided. A small incision is made at the base of the nipple at its junction with the areola, the colored circle surrounding the nipple, and the tight bands are released. Milk ducts and nerve connections are preserved as much as possible.

Depending on the degree of inversion, the procedure can take 20 minutes to an hour to perform. Dissolving internal sutures are used. Surgery takes place in the office under local anesthesia, and downtime is a few days. After surgery, a special waterproof dressing is placed, and a nipple shield may be recommended by your surgeon for a few weeks.

Nipple Reduction

Women with extremely large or elongated nipples seek nipple reduction to achieve a more normal, natural appearing nipple. Like inverted nipple correction, surgery is offered as an office outpatient procedure and takes up to an hour to perform. A small incision is made at the base of the nipple. Dissolving sutures are hidden beneath the nipple, and the nipple is made smaller and less prominent to suit your specific wishes. Sensation and the ability to breast feed should remain after surgery.

After nipple correction (inverted repair or reduction), a soft foam “donut” is often worn over the nipple to protect it during healing. One will be placed over the nipple after surgery and patients are sent home with a few extras to wear as protection during the first week after repair.

Nipple reduction can also be part of a Mommy Makeover. If additional pregnancies are planned, it is best to wait until after nursing is complete for nipple reduction surgery.

For more information, please read our blog Nipples & Plastic Surgery – What is normal, what can be changed?