Breast enlargement and reduction aren’t the only reasons to visit a plastic surgeon; many women in Westchester, Long Island, and NYC visit for inverted nipple surgery too. The condition is painless, yet it makes the breasts look asymmetrical and causes many women to feel embarrassed about their breast appearance. When it comes to breastfeeding, it can cause frustration as it may not be possible to feed the baby, with some women falling into depression for the perception of not bonding with their newborn.
What Are Inverted Nipples?
When your milk ducts are too short to allow the nipple to protrude it becomes an inverted nipple, or if tissue in your nipple has become inflamed it will shorten too. Quite common after pregnancy, when a loss of breast tissue means the nipple is pulled back into the breast.
Three Levels Of Inversion
There are actually three different levels of nipple inversion, with the least severe being named “shy” nipple which although inverted, will respond to tactile or cold stimulation and protrude normally. Level two nipples will remain inverted all the time, while level three sees the nipple undergoing tissue constriction or scarring where vigorous stimulation will not work.
Non-Surgical Correction
If you have the lowest level of inversion, then there are non-surgical correction fixes that are available. The use of suction devices will provide pressure on the nipple, but this is only temporary as the nipples will retract when stimulation ceases.
Nipple Surgery
Nipple surgery is the permanent fix for your inverted nipples and is a procedure that takes around 30 minutes while being performed under local anesthesia (freezing). It is that simple that there is no need for any sedation. You may experience some discomfort and swelling with the procedure, but this is normally minimal and hardly any recovery time is required. Any pain can be managed with oral medication. A small incision is made just below the nipple, where your surgeon will cut the ducts, which tether the nipple. By undergoing this procedure, you should note that you will no longer be able to breast feed. Once this has been done, sutures that dissolve hold the nipple in place, while protective devices are placed over the nipple holding them in position.
Recovery
A protective bandage is placed around your newly-protruding nipple that should be worn for around six weeks. This will ensure that the nipple is not pushed back inward, while the sutures will dissolve after two weeks. You will find that as you have undergone a minimally invasive procedure, there will be only a small scar visible. The results of inverted nipple surgery are instant and immediately visible, with your breast showing a more projected nipple appearance. You should steer clear of any strenuous exercise, refrain from lying on your stomach, and even hugging people. Make sure you don’t wear tight-fitting tops.
If you want to discuss inverted nipple surgery, then book a consultation with our surgeon Dr. Scott Newman. He will determine which level of nipple inversion you have, your expectations and how the results will work for your condition.
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