Inverted nipples are a common condition whereby your nipple points inwards rather than outwards. The majority of people who suffer from inverted nipples are born with the condition and it can affect both men and women.
Inverted nipples can be an embarrassing and stressful condition for most. It should be stressed that if you have a newly inverted nipple or any other breast changes, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, you should consult your GP to check your breasts. Inverted nipple surgery is purely for those with long-standing nipple inversion or retraction.
Why Get Nipple Inversion Surgery and Correction?
Inverted nipples usually develop during puberty and result from short milk ducts. If you have had an inverted nipple since puberty, there is unlikely an underlying medical problem to worry about. Many people have reported feeling more self-confident about themselves and their bodies, giving them the confidence boost they needed to live their lives to the fullest after having this procedure to correct inverted nipples.
How Does Inverted Nipple Surgery Work?
Inverted nipple surgery is performed under either local or general anaesthetic. It is usually performed as day case surgery, meaning you will go home the same day as the procedure. The surgery takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
Your surgeon will start by cutting under your nipple and freeing it from the surrounding tissue. Next, a stitch is secured and placed around the nipple and a small splint is applied to hold it in a protruding position. The stitch and splint will need to remain in place for about one week and a gauze dressing may be applied over the area to protect it.
When the anaesthetic effects have worn off, you will be able to go home. However, it is a good idea to have someone to help you get home to help reduce any stresses and strains along the way which may otherwise affect the area operated on.
What Are The Risks of Inverted Nipple Surgery?
The risks of this type of surgery should always be discussed at length with the surgeon performing the procedure, but generally speaking, the risks may include:
- Nipple could invert again
- Milk duct may be damaged, impacting future breastfeeding
- Scarring
- Pain
- Infection
- Asymmetry (nipples do not look the same on each side)
How Much Does Inverted Nipple Surgery Cost?
- UK private cost: privately, the average price for nipple correction surgery is £1500 for both nipples and £800 for just one.
- This treatment is not usually available on the NHS. However, it may occasionally be provided on the NHS for psychological or other health reasons.