CORRECTION OF INVERTED NIPPLE
Inverted nipples are nipples that point inward, rather than pointing out.
Inverted nipples can be a normal variation of nipple type. It is estimated that 10 percent of women have at least one inverted nipple. Some people are born with inverted nipples. Nipple inversion can also occur slowly and gradually with age. Nipple inversion that occurs suddenly always requires investigation, as it could be a sign of breast cancer forming underneath and pulling the nipple inwards.
Inverted nipples that are not caused by a medical condition do not require treatment. Surgery can be performed to correct an inverted nipple for aesthetic reasons.
How is surgery for correction of inverted nipple performed?
Surgery for correction of inverted nipple is performed under general anaesthesia.
The incision is placed along the edge of the brown area around your nipple, known as periareolar incision.
The milk ducts and scar tissue under the nipple are divided, allowing the nipple to be lifted and sutured into its new protruded position.
The incision is infiltrated with local anaesthetic and closed with dissolvable sutures and skin glue, and covered with a waterproof dressing.
The procedure takes around 45 minutes.
What is the expected recovery after surgery for correction of inverted nipple?
Hospital Stay. Most people go home on the day of surgery. It is recommended that you be accompanied home by a carer who will stay with you (or very close by) for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Wound Care. Your wound is closed with dissolvable sutures and skin glue and covered with a waterproof dressing. Remove your dressings in 2 weeks - your wounds should be healed by then and you do not need further dressings. You can massage your scar at 3 weeks using a plain moisturiser with firm circular motions for at least 10 minutes twice a day.
Bras. You may feel more comfortable wearing a supportive wire-free bra for the first few days.
Driving. You should not drive for at least 24 hours after general anaesthesia.
Physical Activity. You are encouraged to do as much walking as is comfortable. Avoid lifting (over 5 kg), pushing or pulling for 2 weeks - this includes lifting children and housework such as vacuuming or hanging out the washing. Avoid exercises that create a lot of 'breast bounce' for 2 weeks - such as jogging or cardio sessions.
What are the risks of surgery for correction of inverted nipple?
All surgery has risks despite the highest standard of practice. Some of the possible risks associated with surgery for correction of inverted nipple include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Unacceptable scarring, including hypertrophic or keloid scars
- Changes in nipple sensation (temporary or permanent)
- Partial or total loss of nipple and areola
- Inability to breastfeed
- Recurrence of nipple inversion
- Need for further surgery to treat complications
What is the cost of surgery?
For patients with private health insurance,
there is no out of pocket fee for the surgeon (as long as you are covered for item number 31563). There may be additional costs related to anaesthetist’s fee, hospital excess and pathology services.
For patients without private health insurance, please contact us for a quote.
Dr Mary Ling performs breast surgery at Gosford Private Hospital and Brisbane Waters Private Hospital on the Central Coast. Dr Ling welcomes patients from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Region and Northern NSW.
