Nipple Correction in Atlanta, GA

Inverted Nipples Defined

Inverted nipples are a common problem. They arise when the nipple does not project normally because the ducts are too tight. This forces the nipple to be pulled into the areola. Inverted nipples may make it a challenge or even impossible for women to breastfeed.

Here at Premier Image Cosmetic and Laser Surgery, we have performed many nipple correction procedures for women with inverted nipples who would like to improve the look of their nipples and/or make breastfeeding easier.

Grades of Inverted Nipples

There are three grades of inverted nipples. Each grade is determined by how easily the nipple can protrude as well as the degree of fibrosis in the breast and how it has damaged the milk ducts.

Grade one inverted nipples can be easily pulled out by simply placing finger pressure around the areola. These inverted nipples rarely retract and may pop up every once in a while, without any temperature changes or manipulation. Women with grade one inverted nipples can usually breastfeed.

Although grade two inverted nipples can be pulled out, it’s far more difficult to pull them out than grade one inverted nipples. Grade two inverted nipples retract after pressure is released and breastfeeding is possible but can be a real challenge.

Severely inverted nipples are known as grade three. These nipples can rarely be physically pulled out and require surgery to correct. Women with stage three inverted nipples are not able to breastfeed and may face issues such as rashes and infections.

The Nipple Correction Procedure

Nipple correction is a fairly quick procedure that typically lasts around an hour and a half. If a patient’s milk ducts are partially intact, the surgeon will make tiny incisions around the bottom of the nipple on the areola. The nipple and areola will be raised while the tissue and milk ducts will be connected and stitched back into their proper place. Skin will be drawn to pull the nipple upwards and outwards so that it’s in a natural position. In this procedure, the milk ducts will remain partially intact or completely intact.

In situations with serious nipple inversion, the surgeon will cut the shortened milk ducts to release the nipple into its natural position and then reposition it. While the nipple is typically attached to its blood supply in some procedures, it may be removed and put back into place through skin grafting. Once nipple correction has been completed, the surgeon will clean the incision and lightly dress it with a gauze.

Recovering from Nipple Correction

If the surgery was conducted under a local anesthetic, the patient may be able to go home a few hours after it has been completed. Most patients return to work within a few days but must avoid strenuous physical activity for at least six weeks. They will likely experience some minor swelling and bruising and be prescribed antibiotics in the first few weeks to reduce the risk of infection.

Patients will wear light dressing for up to two weeks and should avoid getting their nipples wet during this time. The surgeons at Premier Image will provide clear instructions on how to bathe and perform other everyday tasks while keeping the area dry.

In most cases, stitches are sutures that dissolve within a week to 10 days. Since the incision points are made within the darker skin of the areola, patients may notice minimal scarring. It’s important for patients who undergo nipple correction surgery to wear soft support bras that do not contain any underwires for the first weeks after the procedure.