If you find that your nipples are retracting inward, an inverted nipple correction surgery could be a suitable option for you. This involves a specialist loosening the connective tissue around your nipple and then reshaping it to project outwardly.
Undergoing such a minimally invasive procedure can significantly enhance your self-confidence and physical appearance, and it’s a path that many men and women have successfully taken to feel more comfortable in their bodies.
What Is Inverted Nipple Correction Surgery?
Inverted nipple correction surgery is a cosmetic procedure that corrects nipples when the milk ducts and fatty tissue behind the areola become shortened or damaged, causing them to be drawn inward instead of outward.
The surgery involves releasing these structures so that the nipples and areola can protrude naturally from the breast. Depending on the severity of the case, this may involve cutting away scarred milk ducts, scar tissue or using specialized instruments to release tension in the nipple area.
The goal of this procedure is to restore normal nipple projection while preserving sensation in both breasts. During surgery, small incisions are made around each affected nipple and small openings are created along the edges so that it can be released from any constricting tissues underneath it.
These releases typically allow for some degree of movement during healing, allowing for greater flexibility with regards to positioning once healed. To further enhance results, fat grafting may also be performed at the same time as this procedure if desired by the patient; however, this will require additional recovery time due to additional trauma inflicted upon skin tissues during the fat transfer process itself.
Causes of Inverted Nipples
Inverted nipples are a common condition that can affect both men and women. It occurs when the nipple is turned inward instead of protruding outward from the breast. There are several potential causes:
- One cause of inverted nipples is due to an abnormality in development during puberty. This is known as developmental hypoplasia, which means there was insufficient tissue growth around the time of puberty leading to the nipple being drawn inward instead of outward. In some cases, scarring or adhesions may be present, which further contribute to this issue.
- Another cause is due to a structural imbalance between muscle layers within the breast tissue. If one side has more muscle fibers than another, then it can pull on the skin and draw it inwards towards its center, resulting in an inverted appearance rather than a protuberant one. This type of muscular imbalance can occur even after development has occurred, so it’s important to pay attention if you notice any changes over time with your own breasts as well as those of others around you.
- Breastfeeding can also lead to permanent changes in nipple shape, including an inverted appearance for some people who were not born with them naturally but developed them post-birth through nursing their child(ren). This occurs because milk ducts become blocked off by fibrous tissue causing pressure build up which ultimately leads to inward folding and indentation of skin around the area where these ducts were once located before being blocked off by excess collagen production (known medically as mammary involution).
Benefits of Corrective nipple Surgery
This type of corrective plastic surgery is often done to:
- Improve self-esteem and helps women them feel more comfortable in their own skin.
- Improve body image, as many people feel self-conscious about the appearance of their nipples, areolas, or breasts.
- Improve body aesthetic by creating symmetrical results, which lends to more aesthetically pleasing breasts. Address changes caused by pregnancy, breastfeeding, or other breast procedures.
Preparing for the Procedure
Inverted nipple correction surgery is a relatively simple surgical procedure usually performed under only local anesthesia, but there are some steps that you should take to ensure that it goes as smoothly and safely as possible. Before the procedure begins:
- Your plastic surgeon will likely have you do some pre-operative tests such as an EKG or blood test, based on your medical history.
- They may also advise you to stop taking certain medications before the operation.
- It’s important to discuss with your doctor any allergies or sensitivities.
- You should also inform them of any medical conditions or diseases.
- Doctor will also explain what kind of anesthesia will be used during the procedure.
What To Expect During the Procedure
The surgery itself typically takes between one and two hours, depending on the complexity of the case. During the procedure, your surgeon will make small incisions around each nipple and areola so that they can be released from their inverted position.
In some severe cases, sutures may be used to help reshape the area after release. Your surgeon may also need to perform a nipple reduction procedure to achieve a natural look once healed.
Afterward, a dressing will be applied over each incision site as well as an absorbent pad placed beneath it before you are able to go home with instructions for post-operative care such as keeping them dry and avoiding any strenuous activities during recovery time.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovering from nipple reconstruction surgery is an uncomplicated process. Immediately after the procedure, patients may experience some tenderness and swelling around the treated area. This typically resolves within a few days with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Patients should avoid physical activity for at least three to four weeks following their procedure, and it is important to keep the area clean by gently washing it with warm water daily. Aftercare instructions will be provided during a patient’s personal consultation and post-operative follow-up appointment.
It is important to adhere closely to these instructions in order to ensure proper healing of the incision site and reduce any risk of infection or scarring.
Doctors may prescribe antibiotics or other medications depending on each individual case, so it is crucial that patients take all prescribed medications as directed until finished, unless instructed otherwise by their doctor.
Wearing properly fitted supportive bras can help minimize swelling and support newly corrected nipples while they heal fully over time into natural looking results that are expected from this type of surgery.
Cost of Inverted Nipple Correction Surgery in Miami?
An inverted nipple correction surgeriery in Miami costs between $1,000 – $3,000 USD per breast (not including other associated costs such as preoperative tests).
Many insurance companies do not cover cosmetic procedures such as inverted nipple correction surgeries so make sure you check with your provider beforehand to see if they offer any coverage at all, since this could significantly reduce your overall out-of-pocket expenses when planning for this type of breast surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Results of Inverted Nipple Correction Surgery Permanent?
The results of inverted nipple correction surgery are generally permanent. During the procedure, the plastic surgeon releases the tissues that cause the nipple to invert, allowing it to project outward.
Sometimes, the surgeon may also perform techniques to shorten the milk ducts, further improving nipple position. These interventions result in permanent changes to the nipple, allowing for a natural appearance and improved self-confidence.
However, it is important to note that the results can potentially be affected by changes in the breasts due to other factors such as hormonal fluctuations, weight loss, or breastfeeding.
Will I Be Able To Breastfeed After Having Inverted Nipple Correction?
After undergoing inverted nipple correction surgery, the ability to breastfeed may be affected in some cases. This is due to the changes that occur in the milk duct tissue during the procedure. Inverted nipples are often caused by tight or short milk duct tissue, which pulls the nipple inward.
During the surgery, the plastic surgeon releases the tissues that cause the nipple to invert, allowing it to project outward. However, this may result in the milk duct tissues being released or shortened as well. This can potentially impact the ability to breastfeed, as the milk may not be able to flow freely through the shortened ducts.
The severity of the nipple inversion and the techniques used during surgery can also play a role in determining whether a patient will be able to breastfeed. In cases of mild nipple inversion, where only minimal tissue release is required, there is a higher chance of preserving breastfeeding ability.
However, severe nipple inversion cases may require more extensive tissue release, which could decrease the chances of successful breastfeeding.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Inverted Nipple Correction?
While nipple reconstruction surgeries are generally considered safe, like any surgical operation, there are still risks involved. It’s important for patients to be aware of the potential complications associated with these types of breast procedures.
One of the risks is excessive bleeding or infection at the surgical site. While rare, infection can occur in the incision site, leading to discomfort and delayed healing. Board certified plastic surgeons take strict measures to maintain a sterile environment in the operating room and prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
It’s important to note that these complications are rare and occur at a low frequency in inverted nipple correction surgery.
References
[1] Mangialardi ML, Baldelli I, Salgarello M, Raposio E. Surgical Correction of Inverted Nipples. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020 Jul 27;8(7):e2971. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000002971. PMID: 32802664; PMCID: PMC7413770.
[2] Mangialardi ML, Baldelli I, Salgarello M, Raposio E. Surgical Correction of Inverted Nipples. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020 Jul 27;8(7):e2971. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000002971. PMID: 32802664; PMCID: PMC7413770.