Fast track your treatment
To book an appointment or speak with one of our friendly team, please get in touch using the options below
Most people have nipples that protrude (stick out). When a nipple is inverted, it means that it lies flat against the body or is “turned-in”. While not a serious medical problem, sometimes people choose to have an inverted nipple corrected to give a more regular appearance.
Some people are born with inverted nipples, while others may develop them during puberty. They are caused by short milk ducts, and one or both nipples can be affected. Nipple inversion can occur in both men and women, although it is more commonly seen in women. If you have had an inverted nipple since puberty, there is unlikely to be an underlying medical problem. If the nipple inversion has happened more recently you should see your GP straight away.
If either or both of your nipples are inverted, an operation to correct them could help. Should you be considering this course of action, a conversation with a breast or plastic surgeon will be useful and we would be happy to arrange an appointment for you at the hospital of your choice. Contact the team to get this scheduled in at your convenience.
Inverted Nipple Correction is a surgical procedure to correct a turned-in nipple so that it protrudes normally. It is usually carried out under local anaesthetic.
Your surgeon will make a small incision (cut) in the lower outer border of the nipple. Depending on the grade of inversion, the ducts leading to the nipple are then either gently stretched or divided. If the ducts are stretched they remain intact and breast feeding is usually possible following the operation.
Once released, the nipple is held in a raised position with a suture (stitch). The sutures used to close the incision are dissolvable.
Inverted nipple correction surgery is performed as a day case procedure, meaning you will be able to go home later the same day.
Your surgeon will advise you as to how long you will be required to keep your dressings in place – this can be up to 7 days,
You will be able to return to normal activities almost immediately, although you may feel tender around the nipple for up to a week afterwards. Should you experience any pain, you may like to take an over the counter painkiller, such as paracetamol. We would normally recommend that you avoid any strenuous activities for a week after your surgery, to ensure full healing.
Inverted Nipple Correction is a commonly performed and generally safe procedure. However, all surgery carries an element of risk.
The possible complications of any surgery can include an unexpected reaction to a local anaesthetic, excessive bleeding and infection.
If you would like to discuss nipple correction surgery with a suitably qualified breast or plastic surgeon, please contact us to book you an appointment at a time of your convenience.
