Will I still be able to breastfeed after inverted nipple correction?
Most likely, yes. In the past, nipple inversion surgery involved severing the milk ducts to release the nipple. Advanced surgical techniques today preserve the milk ducts and focus instead on releasing surrounding fibers holding the nipple in. The fibers are spread and stretched, not severed, through a small incision in the areola while the nipple is held in a projecting position.
Will I have scars after inverted nipple surgery?
Inverted nipple correction is a minimally-invasive procedure. Incisions are small and scarring is typically not noticeable. Incision lines are further disguised by the natural color variations and bumpy surfaces of the nipple and areola.
Are there non-surgical treatments for inverted nipples?
There are different levels of nipple inversion. Depending on the degree, non-surgical treatment may be an option in some cases. For example, a small fat graft, Juvéderm Voluma, or Radiesse may be injected under the nipple to help prevent it from contracting. In some instances, a small implant may be used as well.
What causes inverted nipples?
Inverted nipples are often congenital – present at birth. When they appear later in life, it may an indication of an underlying medical condition, such as:
- Mastitis (infection of the mammary gland)
- Duct ectasia (abnormal dilation of a duct in the breast tissue)
- Abscess under the areola
- Breast surgery complications
- Breast cancer
