Inversion of the nipple is caused by a short milk duct system running from the chest wall to the nipple. This can be corrected through surgical procedures. There are two types of surgeries used to correct the inverted nipple: those that leave the milk ducts intact and those that do not. The objective to reshape the nipple and areola, is to make the nipple project out from the breast, enhancing the appearance of the breast while preserving sensitivity of the nipple.
Inverted nipple repair with partial preservation of milk ducts: Your doctor will administer a local Inverted Nipple Repairanesthetic as well as a sedative to help you relax. An incision will be made just around the base of the nipple on the areola.
The exact procedure depends upon the condition of the nipple. In some cases, an incision can be made in order to draw out the nipple and to have a natural protrusion. In certain cases, a nipple has to be created from the surrounding tissues. In certain cases it may be necessary to cut through the milk ducts to complete the surgery. If the surgery only involves releasing an inverted nipple, it generally takes only about half an hour to complete and may be conducted under local anesthesia.
Inverted nipple repair with detached milk ducts: This is a more common procedure and may be necessary in more difficult cases. A sedative along with a local anesthetic is administered. An incision is made at the base of the nipple and the shortened milk ducts are detached. This allows a natural-looking projection of the nipple. The incision is sutured closed, and medicated gauze is applied to the site.
The procedure takes one to two hours, depending on the technique used. Nipples and the surrounding area will be sore and swollen for two or three days after the procedure, and then decreases rapidly over the following days. Stitches are usually removed in 3 to 5 days after surgery. Basic activities can be resumed within 1 to 2 days.
As with any surgery, there are certain risks associated with this procedure. These include re-inversion, infection, injury to the tissue, excessive bleeding and reaction to anesthesia. Noticeable scars can also form after healing along with permanent pigment changes. Ther is also a chance that the nipples are not matched. There also could be changes in nipple protrusion on stimulation. In case of a nipple inversion reoccuring or a significant change in symmetry, a second procedure may be required.
