Inverted nipple correction

Many patients are born with inverted nipples. These may get worse with advancing age. Inverted nipples may cause cosmetic concerns, and can interfere with breast feeding.

The sudden appearance of inverted nipples can be a sign of possible breast cancer. You should consult your doctor if this applies to you.

There are three degrees of severity :

• Grade 1 – These nipples are occasionally inverted, but will evert spontaneously. Surgery is not required for this group.
• Grade 2 - Nipples in this category will not evert spontaneously, but can be manually pulled out. Surgery can benefit patients in this category.
• Grade 3 - This is the most severely affected group. The nipples cannot manually be pulled out. Surgery is the only method for correction in this group.

There are many operations described for inverted nipples. One of the most conservative and effective operations is the use of nipple piercing. This method is Dr. Belt’s first choice for most patients.

This can be performed under local or general anaesthetic. A “barbell” device is passed from 3 to 9 o’ clock. This stretches the contracted nipple ducts. The piercing has to be left in continuously for 6 months. Once removed the ducts remain in their stretched state, so correcting the inverted nipples.

Mild degrees of inverted nipples can also be corrected with breast augmentation. The correction is produced by the implant pushing the breast tissue forward, effectively increasing the length of the tethered and shortened ducts.

Other techniques rely on cutting ducts and are therefore more likely to impair breast feeding. These techniques are seldom used by Dr. Belt, and usually only after other techniques have failed.

Inverted nipple correction Cases

• Case 1

  
  

• Case 2

  
  

• Case 3

  • Detailed Operative Sequence Illustrated in Photographs
  • Bilateral Breast Augmentation performed with Correction of Inverted Nipples

• Case 4

  
  

• Case 5

  • Bilateral Breast Augmentation performed with Correction of Inverted Nipples

• Case 6

  • Unilateral Inverted Nipple Correction
  • Patient also underwent a breast augmentation