What is an inverted nipple?
The inverted nipple condition is a distressing inward retraction of one or both nipples. There are various quick surgical methods for correction and beautification of these retracted abnormal looking nipples. (See photo below.)
What causes nipple inversion?
Nipple inversion is normally genetic or congenital. Almost 20 percent of women have this condition, making it the most common nipple condition.Nipple inversion can also be caused by pregnancy, sagging, inflammation, trauma, infection, rapid/massive weight loss and even ductal breast cancers.
What is normal nipple anatomy?
The nipples have intrinsic ducts and erectile tissue. Upon touch of stimulation they engorge and protrude.
What is abnormal nipple anatomy?
Abnormal nipple anatomy is visible when the nipples are unable to engorge or protrude as a result of internal, thick, short connective scar tissue (fibrosis), which pulls the nipples inward. In some instances the nipple partially protrudes but in resting stage the nipple is abnormally inverted. Retracted causes poor appearance and aesthetic distress to the individual. There are three grades of nipple inversion.
- Grade 1: The nipples may protrude under manual stimulation but retract when left alone.
- Grade 2: Achieving nipple protrusion is possible but difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE POST-OPERATIVE CARE FOR INVERTED NIPPLE CORRECTION LIKE?
A surgical dressing is applied to ensure the nipples stay out and not retract. Patients avoid clothing that compress the nipples. The goal is to prevent inward readherence. Patients also avoid using breast shells or the practice of Hoffman method, as they are both known to worsen the condition.
HOW IS THE INVERTED NIPPLE CORRECTION PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
Under local anesthesia the inverted, retracted nipples are pulled out by the help of a suture sling. A small incision is made on the sides of the nipple. This entrance is used to release the thick, tight, adhesive connective tissue bands that are the cause of the inward pull and deformed, retracted look of the affected nipples. Several sutures are used to prevent the nipples from re-retraction and assure the permanent protrusion of the nipples.
WHERE IS INVERTED NIPPLE CORRECTION PERFORMED?
We perform inverted nipple correction in our private surgical suites at the Liposuction and Cosmetic Surgery Institute Chicago, Arlington Heights, Oak Brook and Naperville.
WHAT DOES INVERTED NIPPLE CORRECTION COST?
The inverted nipple procedure usually costs about $2000 depending on the scope of the treatment.
WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS USED DURING INVERTED NIPPLE CORRECTION?
Our surgeons use local or IV sedation.
WHAT ARE THE KEY BENEFITS OF INVERTED NIPPLE CORRECTION?
The patient undergoes a safe, mini in-office surgical procedure to release the cause of enhance definition of either one or both retracted nipples.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE DOWNTIME?
Normally only a few hours.
HOW MANY PROCEDURES ARE NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE RESULTS?
Only one procedure is necessary. Results are permanent
HOW LONG DOES INVERTED NIPPLE CORRECTION TAKE?
Normally only 30 minutes to one hour.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM INVERTED NIPPLE CORRECTION IN CHICAGO?
Anyone, male or female, who has inverted or retracted nipples and wants aesthetic correction of partial or completely retracted nipples. The distress may be aesthetic, but nipple inversion can also cause recurrent rashes and infection. The goal is permanent protrusion of of their nipples, rather than the deformed look of retracted nipples. Women must understand that after inverted nipple surgery breast feeding will be impaired. Any female patient who intends to breastfeed should not undergo the inverted nipple procedure.
WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT NIPPLE INVERSION?
At the Liposuction and Cosmetic Surgery Institute in Chicago, our surgeons can surgically release the adhesions that pull the nipple, or nipples, down.