Inverted Nipple RepairInverted Nipple Repair

Nov 12, 2008

Procedure Description:

Women with inverted nipples no longer have to live with this condition. There are two types of procedures that address the problem and can restore the nipples to a beautiful and natural, projecting appearance.

Techniques used today fall into two categories: those that preserve the milk ducts and those that do not.

Length of Procedure: Inverted nipple repair takes one to two hours, depending on the technique used and the anatomy of the patient.

Recovery: 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.

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 to 48 hours, unless your work involves strenuous activity.

Risks: 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 due to recurrence of the inversion. The ability to breastfeed cannot be guaranteed after any surgery to correct inverted nipples.

Results: 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 breastfeed.

Estimated Cost: The cost for the inverted nipple repair procedure between $2,000 and $4,000.