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Dr Tim Neavin
Surgery with Symmetry
Dr Tim Neavin

Nipple Inversion Correction Surgery in Santa Barbara

What is it?

An inverted nipple is a condition in men or women where the nipple protrudes inward, rather than outward. Even with stimulation, the nipple may not protrude. The condition is actually rather common with 10 to 20 percent of women having at least one inverted nipple. It could be one sided (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral). There are many possible causes of inverted nipples including:

  • Congenital (born with the condition)
  • Breast cancer (often inflammatory)
  • Gynecomastia could be a cause in men
  • Breastfeeding
  • Fat necrosis (possibly trauma related)
  • Infections of the breast
  • Genetic variant of nipple shape
  • Scars that may be a result of surgery
  • Breast ptosis (drooping of the breasts)
  • Pregnancy

Before and After Photos

Classification

As with any condition, there is a grading system to characterize the extent of the inversion. The typical classification ranges from 1 to 3, with 3 being severely inverted and retracted. Class 1 is often called a “shy nipple”. It may come out with manipulation or stimulation quite easily. Class 2 has a bit more fibrosis within the tissue. It can be pulled out manually, but often retracts back and may not protrude with stimulation. Class 2 is the most common type of nipple inversion for men and women. In class 3, the nipple can rarely be pulled out physically and often requires surgery in order to be protracted. With this level of inversion, milk ducts are often constricted and breast feeding is impossible. Women with Grade 3 inverted nipples may also be affected by rashes or infections because hygiene becomes difficult.

Treatment

The treatment of inverted nipples ranges from massaging, to piercing, to suction, to surgery. The less invasive techniques are more successful with Class 1 nipple inversion. Thus, in mild cases, persistent nipple and areolar massaging alone can correct inversion. There are devices that are available to “suck out” the nipple. These work with varying results and can, not surprisingly, be difficult to use regularly. Another method to keep nipple protracted is nipple piercing. A pierced nipple mechanically keeps the nipple out. Over time (and it could be months to years), some mild to moderate nipple inversions can be permanently corrected with this technique. However, in severely inverted conditions, surgery may be the best option.

Surgical correction of the nipple is an outpatient procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia. There are two approaches to this process. One involves making an incision along the inferior border of the areola to access the ducts below the nipples. With spreading or cutting, the ducts that are tethering down the nipple can be disrupted to free the nipple. The nipple may then be propped up with suspension stitches for a week. The second involves making a small incision along the inferior border of the nipple. From this access point, the ducts tethering down the nipple can be freed. Both approaches may very likely prevent lactation making breast feeding from the nipple impossible.

After your nipple inversion procedure, you will discharged to go home with pain medications. There will be some soreness for a few days. Stitches are often removed after a week.

Nipple inversion can make a profound impact on the appearance of your breasts and your self-confidence. To learn more about this procedure, contact Artisan of Beauty at 310-858-8811 text 323-975-1287 to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Neavin.

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