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Nipple Repair
Inverted Nipple RepairFor many women, having inverted nipples can be distressing. Lying flat against the breast or actually pulling in from the breast surface, they can be a source of self-consciousness and breastfeeding problems. If you're considering inverted nipple repair, the following information will provide you with a good introduction to the procedure involved. For more detailed information about how this procedure may help you, we recommend that you consult a plastic surgeon who has completed a residency program that includes instruction in this procedure. |
| Most common benefits of inverted nipple repair |
| Surgical procedures to correct the inverted nipple
can be divided into two types: those that leave the milk ducts intact
and those that do not. In either case, the objective is to reshape
the nipple and areola so that the nipple projects out from the breast,
enhancing the appearance of the breast while preserving sensitivity
of the nipple. The technique that leaves the milk ducts intact can
also help preserve a woman’s ability to breastfeed. Back to the top |
| How is inverted nipple repair done? |
| Techniques used today fall into two categories: those that preserve the milk ducts and those that do not. Inverted nipple repair with partial preservation of milk ducts: Your doctor will administer a local anesthetic as well as a sedative to help you relax. An incision will be made just around the base of the nipple on the areola. The nipple and areola tissue is lifted from (but still connected to) the breast and stitched into a new, projecting shape utilizing a “purse-string” style of suturing (stitches). Because of the circular shape of the scar around the nipple, scar contracture will actually increase rather than decrease nipple projection. Medicated gauze is then applied to the site. Inverted nipple repair with detached milk ducts: This
procedure is much more common and may be necessary in more difficult
cases. Your doctor will apply local anesthetic, and you will be
offered a sedative. An incision is made at the nipple base, and
the shortened milk ducts are detached, allowing a natural-looking
projection of the nipple. The incision is sutured closed, and medicated
gauze is applied to the site. |
| How long does surgery take? |
| Inverted nipple repair takes one to two hours,
depending on the technique used and the anatomy of the patient. |
| Do I have to stay in the hospital? |
| Probably not. Most breast surgeries are performed
as outpatient procedures, in a surgical center. Most patients are
able to return home within a few hours of the surgery. |
| How much pain is there? |
| Your nipples will be sore after the procedure,
but this soreness will probably subside within a few days. Most
patients report that this discomfort is easily controlled by medication. |
| After inverted nipple repair? |
| Your nipples will be covered with medicated gauze.
Under the gauze will be tiny, stitched incisions. You may feel a
little groggy, which is a side effect of surgery and your body’s
efforts to heal. Because of the localized nature of the procedure,
this grogginess should subside in a day or so. Most likely, you
will be allowed to leave the hospital within a few hours after the
surgery, but you should have someone else drive you home. You will
probably be allowed to shower the next day. |
| What is recovery period like? |
| Most often, swelling is mild to moderate, peaks
two or three days after the procedure, and then disappears rapidly
over the following three weeks. Most patients report little or no
bruising. Sutures (stitches) are usually removed about four days
after surgery. You will probably be able to return to work within
the 24 – 48 hours, unless your work involves strenuous activity. |
| Long-term outcome of inverted nipple repair ? |
| Both techniques: The new nipple projection is permanent. Sensation is almost always unchanged. Because the incisions are at the nipple only, scarring is scarcely visible. Parachute-flap technique(preserving ducts): Because some of the milk duct system is still attached to the nipple, breastfeeding is likely. Detached duct technique: You will not be able to breast feed. |
| Possible Risks and Complications? |
| All operations carry some risk and the possibility
of complications can include (but are not limited to) infection,
unsatisfactory results, excessive bleeding, adverse reaction to
anesthesia, and the need for second or sometimes third procedures.
The ability to breastfeed cannot be guaranteed after any surgery
to correct inverted nipples. |
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