Treatment for Inverted or Flat Nipples
Inverted or flat nipples are more common than one might think — in fact, up to 10 percent of women have inverted or flat nipples. They are caused by tight foreshortened breast ducts. Women who are self-conscious or embarrassed by the appearance of their inverted nipples may opt for surgical correction with New York City board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark H. Schwartz. Nipple correction is a quick procedure that can successfully restore a normal appearance to the nipples and improve self-confidence.
Candidates for Inverted Nipple Correction
Inverted nipple correction is designed for women that are born with inverted or slit-like nipples, or whose nipples become inverted later in life (possibly due to scar tissue that develops after breast feeding). One or both nipples may be inverted.
Dr. Schwartz consults with every patient on a personal basis to determine whether surgery is an appropriate solution. He examines each candidate’s nipples to determine the degree of inversion, and explains the possible treatment options. Dr. Schwartz also inquiries about the candidate’s medical history and general health. Potential candidates should be in good physical and psychological health and not smoke. They should understand the possible risks of surgery and weigh the pros and cons. Nipple correction is a safe and straightforward procedure, but candidates should be informed of all the facts before making decisions about treatment.
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Surgical Details
Inverted nipple correction is a relatively short operation that may be performed with either local anesthesia or sedation in Dr. Schwartz’s office.
The goals of surgery are to reshape the nipple so it projects out from the breast, and to preserve nipple sensitivity. Whenever possible, Dr. Schwartz attempts to leave some of the milk ducts intact so the patient retains the ability to breastfeed. In some cases, however, the milk ducts must be severed to release the nipple. This is discussed during the surgical consultation.
To begin, Dr. Schwartz makes a small incision near the base of the nipple on the areola. He lifts the nipple and areolar tissue and stitches it into its new protruding position. Once the nipple has been repaired, it stays everted.
Dr. Schwartz can combine inverted nipple correction with another breast procedure, such as breast lift or breast augmentation, if needed. These options are addressed during the initial surgical consultation.
Recovering from Inverted Nipple Correction
After surgery, your nipples may be temporarily swollen and/or bruised. There may be a slight change in sensation or a feeling of numbness. These side effects resolve over a few days, and the nipples will look and feel normal.
Dr. Schwartz provides comprehensive instructions for recovery, including how to care for the incision location, and when to return to the office for follow-up. At the post-operative visits, he checks the nipples’ healing progress, answers any questions and lets the patient know when it is safe to return to work, exercise and other normal activities.
Schedule a Private Consultation with Dr. Schwartz
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark H. Schwartz or to find out more about inverted nipple correction.
