Inverted Nipple Correction
While inverted nipples aren’t necessarily a cause for alarm, many people would rather have nipples that weren’t flat or pointing inwards.
Luckily, as a highly-trained plastic surgeon with experience in reconstructive surgery, I am able to correct inverted nipples. No matter your reason for wanting this surgical procedure, my team and I will listen to your needs and design a care plan that will restore your confidence. If you’ve been considering an inverted nipple correction procedure, here’s what you need to know.
What is an inverted nipple?
The first step of inverted nipple correction is knowing what an “inverted nipple” is. An inverted nipple points inward or lies flat rather than protruding and can occur in one or both nipples. Some people’s nipples invert with a temperature change, but that isn’t always the case.
Both men and women can have inverted nipples, but it’s more common in women, with 9–10% having at least one.
Many people with inverted nipples are born with them, but factors such as milk duct infections, breastfeeding, breast cancer, breast injury, or previous breast surgery can also cause them. Occasionally, inverted nipples result from breast reduction surgery, but this is rare.
What are the grades of inverted nipples?
There are three grades of nipple inversion depending on the severity and how difficult it would be to correct. The higher the grade, the more severe the inversion.
At Saber Plastic Surgery, our board-certified surgeon will determine your grade at your initial consultation and advise you on the best way to proceed.
Below is a brief outline of the nipple inversion grades:
Grade 1 inverted nipple
You can pull out your nipple by gently pressing your thumb and index finger on your areola. It might stay out for a short time but eventually inverts again.
Grade 2 inverted nipple
You can pull out your nipple as in Grade 1, but it immediately inverts when you let go.
Grade 3 inverted nipple
It’s extremely difficult or impossible to pull your nipple out.
Why get an inverted nipple correction?
Most patients decide on inverted nipple correction surgery to feel better about their bodies and reduce their self-consciousness. After the procedure, many people report that their confidence and lives improved.
Unlike other breast procedures, such as breast reconstruction, that have strict guidelines about who should have the surgery, the ideal candidate for this procedure is anyone with an inverted nipple. However, if you’re pregnant or nursing, you’ll need to wait until you finish breastfeeding.
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How is an inverted nipple correction procedure performed?
Inverted nipple correction isn’t exactly like other breast procedures, and we have multiple techniques to choose from. Typically, we’ll use a local anesthetic if you’re only having your inverted nipples corrected. However, if you’re combining your correction with another cosmetic procedure, it may require general anesthesia.
Whichever you choose, I’ll perform it at our modern, fully-equipped outpatient surgery center. Depending on your goals and what’s right for you, the procedure can preserve part of your milk ducts or detach them.
Both options are fairly minor unless you combine them with other breast surgeries and shouldn’t take longer than two hours, meaning you’ll be on your way home quickly.
What is inverted nipple repair with partial milk duct preservation?
Inverted nipple repair with partial milk duct preservation corrects your inverted nipples but retains a connection with the milk ducts, making it ideal for patients who want to retain the ability to breastfeed. With this procedure, you shouldn’t notice a difference in sensation.
The first step is local anesthesia for your comfort. For the most part, I make the small incision at the base of your nipple using the “parachute flap” technique. Your nipple and areola remain attached during the procedure. When we’re done, I’ll use small sutures to form them into a protruding shape before closing the incision. Once the incision is closed, the area will be covered with sterile medical gauze.
What is inverted nipple repair with detached milk ducts?
For patients who don’t intend to breastfeed or whose milk ducts need to be removed, we can perform an inverted nipple repair and detach your milk ducts.
Detaching the milk ducts can prevent infection, and the procedure is similar to nipple repair with partial milk duct preservation.
Local anesthesia is used, then I’ll make a small incision at the base of the nipple. However, in this procedure, I detach your milk ducts before creating a protruding nipple and suturing it onto your breast tissue.
What is the recovery time for an inverted nipple correction procedure?
If you decide you want inverted nipple correction surgery, the good news is that the postoperative recovery time is pretty quick. As long as you’re not getting any other breast surgery or cosmetic surgery procedures at the same time as your nipple correction, you should feel ready to resume your normal activities within a day or two.
If you only have your inverted nipples corrected, there’ll likely only be mild swelling and discomfort, which can be controlled with over-the-counter medications. However, if you’re getting a breast augmentation or breast lift at the same time, your recovery time will be longer and depend on the recovery time for the other breast procedure.
Why trust Dr. Saber with your inverted nipple correction?
Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS, is one of Los Angeles’ leading plastic surgeons and reconstructive surgery experts. As a board-certified professional, she is committed to using her expertise to service patients of all genders, ages, and orientations.
She has trained for over ten years in plastic and reconstructive microsurgery, and after graduating from Stanford University’s medical school, she completed a residency at the University of Southern California and a fellowship at New York University.
Call us at (877) 205-4100 or schedule your consultation online.
Dr. Saber’s practice is located in Encino, CA, for patients throughout the Los Angeles area. We are also convenient to Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Malibu, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Downtown Los Angeles, Silverlake, and Echo Park.
CALL (818) 770-7050 OR CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE ONLINE
What patients say about Dr. Saber …
I was fortunate to find Dr. Saber after researching board-certified surgeons who specialize in breast cancer reconstruction revision surgery. I knew I was in good hands from the moment I spoke with the lovely and efficient Marlene, Dr Saber's office manager. Dr Saber patiently listened to my concerns and, after examining me, explained what I could realistically expect the outcome to be from another surgery. She also explained to me that she would need to review my previous surgery notes before we could discuss a possible further surgery, which I found comforting and highly ethical. I also discussed a couple of other procedures that I would like done, including fat removal from my large upper arms that had caused me great embarrassment for several years. Dr. Saber is an excellent surgeon who is incredibly kind and genuine. She truly understands the female body and the emotional aspect of body insecurities yet, she is transparent about what can and cannot be done and takes time to discuss realistic expectations and outcomes. My breast reconstruction revision surgery will take place in the New Year, but in the meantime, I have the most fabulous upper arms that I recently flaunted in a strapless dress (something I have not done in years). Dr Saber is truly one of a kind, and I still cannot believe how fortunate I am to have found her. I highly recommend Dr Saber.
I don’t have enough wonderful words to describe Dr Saber and Marlene! I had a tummy tuck done this year and from start to finish the entire experience was amazing. Marlene is always so helpful and works so hard to make every detail a breeze for you. When I had my consultation with Dr Saber I was at a point of complete agony with my body. She instantly took that stress and frustration off my shoulders! As a woman not being heard by doctors for years I left that consultation with happy tears knowing I had finally found my Dr. It was a major surgery and I felt completely zen and at peace going in because she really does make you feel that safe. I didn’t think I would ever look the way I do now! She gave me the gift of having the body I kept fighting for. I will never stop recommending her.
I saw Dr. Saber when I broke my wrist. I ended up having to have surgery. She did an excellent job and I am healing nicely. She was very professional, but was also very kind and compassionate. I would highly recommend her!!
I LOVED DR SABER!!! There are a few reasons why I chose her. One was because she’s a female Doctor that was my goal who also did a good job (which I was able to confirm with all her before and after photos) and what sold me was my safety in mind. She made me feel like I was in the best hands ever along with Marlene who coordinated everything THANK YOU LADIES! Dr Saber helped me get back the body I have always desired. I had a lot of stomach fat from weight gain and I lost weight so a lot of my weight was in my front lower and upper abdomen. Now I have a super beautiful curvy body like an hourglass after a tummy tuck and lipo she did. She understood the assignment hahaha . I’m 32 years old no kids just wanted to enjoy my younger body looking and feeling beautiful and she really took good care of me. Even after hours I had an emergency due to my fault but she was there and got back to me very quickly and I’m very grateful. I also think her work says a lot because I stopped taking pain medication on the 3rd day after surgery and was fine with very minimal pain I was able to tolerate the healing process. Highly recommend going with her I just had a wonderful experience and would do it all over again if I had too. Maybe after I have kids. Thanks Dr Saber and team <3
Dr.Saber is by far one of the best plastic surgeons. I love how she takes her time to explain any procedure to the patients understanding. She always makes sure to answers any and all questions.From fillers to body contours she’s the one you want.
Dr Saber is amazing! She is caring and very informative. I went in for fillers and she explained procedure step by step. I highly recommend her and look forward to future visits.
Dr. Saber was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. She took time to listen, answer all my questions and was forthright in her recommendations. Her staff was friendly and helpful. I was very happy with the results and plan on going back. If you are looking for a first rate professional experience look no further she is the doctor for you!
Dr. Saber is one of a kind plastic surgeon with a heart of gold. She is a well verse plastic surgeon that puts her patient's needs before anything else. She genuinely cares about every single patient, and her work speaks for itself. I notice every post-operative result on her Instagram (@saberplasticsurgery) the patients have this glow that radiates through. I have been going to Dr. Saber for my Botox for the past 3 years, and love the results every time. I know who I will be going to for any future plastic surgery needs, and will confidently refer family and friends to Dr. Saber for any Botox, fillers, and plastic surgery consultations.
I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Saber! I am so pleased with my results from a breast augmentation she performed on me back in late June! She answered all my questions and concerns before and after my surgery. She’s very easy to get in contact with and she’s so nice. She made feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. 100/10 Lover her work!!
Dr Saber is hands down the best surgeon! She took her time answering my questions and explained procedure in detail. After doing liposuction six months ago, I am extremely happy with my results and I appreciate her so much.
Dr. Saber is so kind and thorough with her patients! She is an amazing doctor and genuinely cars about everyone she comes in contact with. I would recommend her to anyone for any hand surgery or cosmetic procedure.
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