Nipple Inversion Correction

Nipple correction surgery is a surgical procedure that aims to allow the nipple to stick out from the areola (the dark skin around the nipple).  A very simple surgery, nipple correction can increase your confidence in intimate moments, and make certain close-fitting styles of clothing more comfortable to wear.

Nipple inversion can be a distressing condition that can affect self-esteem by making the breasts look distorted.  It may also be an issue for women who are trying to breastfeed.  This is because the baby may not be able to latch on to flat or inverted nipples to draw the milk out of the breasts.

The ideal nipple correction candidates would, therefore, include those who are:

• Seeing little to no improvement using a non-surgical approach

• Those who are self-conscious because of their nipple inversion

• Wanting an effective treatment with long-lasting results

An inverted nipple correction aims to correct the nipple so that it projects out naturally. Having a nipple correction can help boost self-esteem in patients, particularly when they are in intimate situations

Mr Sawyer will carry out a detailed assessment before deciding if surgery is suitable for you.  This will include taking photos for your medical records.  He will examine your breasts and ask you questions about your medical history.

Let Mr Sawyer know if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the future.  Pregnancy can change the size and shape of your breasts and may affect the long-term results of surgery.

Nipple inversion varies in patients.  There are different grades of nipple inversion depending on its severity.  Mr Sawyer will examine you during your consultation to determine which grade of nipple inversion you have.

The 3 grades are as follows:

Grade 1 (mild)

The mildest form of nipple inversion. Nipples may be flat or slightly inverted. The nipples evert in response to stimuli such as touch or temperature. Nipple protrusion remains for some time before they return to their inverted state.

Grade 2 (moderate)

The nipples are slightly more inverted than grade 1. They will evert with manipulation but will immediately return to their inverted state when manipulation stops.

Grade 3 (severe)

This is the most severe form of nipple inversion. There is a complete inversion of the nipples. Stimuli will not evert the nipples.

You should avoid all sports and exercise for the first 2 weeks after your nipple correction.  Gentle gym activities and jogging can be resumed at 2 weeks.

After 4 weeks all exercise is possible.

You will not be able to drive straight after your surgery, you must arrange for a friend or family member to take you home.  They must supervise you for the first 24 hours after the operation.

The amount of time you will need to take off work after your nipple correction will depend on the type of job you have.  If your work involves a lot of physical activity, you will have to take at least 1 week off.  If it does not involve a lot of physical activity, then you may only need 1 to 2 days off work.

The ability to breastfeed can be affected by nipple inversion surgery and you should consider this before deciding on the operation surgery.  Grade 1- Mr Sawyer will correct your inverted nipples by gently stretching the milk ducts in which case your milk ducts will still be open and will be able to convey milk from the breast glands to the nipple after which breastfeeding will still be possible. Grade 2 or 3 - Mr Sawyer will need to divide the milk ducts to correct the inversion.  If your milk ducts have been divided then there is no intact channel from the breast glands which produce the milk to your nipple and you will, therefore, be unable to breastfeed.