Inverted Nipple Treatment
Approximately 10 to 20 percent of people, both men and women, experience inverted nipples, also called retracted nipples. This condition can be a source of self-consciousness but typically does not indicate any health risks or issues. That said, inverted nipples may make breastfeeding more difficult and may cause some patients to feel uncomfortable showing this part of their body in public or intimate settings. Our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons understand your concerns and utilize an advanced technique to correct this issue. If you are bothered by nipple inversion on one or both sides, talk to our medical team to learn how we can help.
What is an inverted nipple?
An inverted nipple is a flat nipple that sits back into the breast, either flush with the surrounding skin or set deeper into the areola (colored area around the nipple), rather than protruding outward. Some types of inversions happen only occasionally and can be reversed with cold temperature or manual stimulation. More significant inversions typically cannot be made to extend outward, even with physical manipulation. If severe enough, this condition can cause problems for women who are trying to breastfeed. Otherwise, inverted nipples are considered an aesthetic concern, but one that may result in psychological discomfort or even embarrassment.
There are three grades of nipple inversion that describe the degree of severity, how likely it is that the inversion could affect breastfeeding, and what the best treatment might be.
Grade 1
Gently squeezing or otherwise stimulating the nipple (including breastfeeding) can extract the nipple, often for long periods of time before retracting.
Grade 2
More difficulty is experienced drawing the nipple out and, when released, the nipple returns to its previous position.
Grade 3
It is difficult or impossible to pull the nipple forward.
What causes inverted nipples?
Most people are simply born with one or both nipples inverted, either part of the time or at all times. Other causes can include trauma or scarring, infections, or, in very rare cases, breast cancer. Many women, particularly if it is their first child, experience inverted nipples during pregnancy, and this effect often has no bearing on the woman’s health or ability to breastfeed. If your nipples were previously extending outward and became inverted suddenly or over time, and you are not pregnant, you may wish to discuss this symptom with your primary care physician.1
For men, gynecomastia can also lead to nipple inversion of one or both nipples. Treating the underlying cause of the condition can help to correct this effect. If, however, inversion is a congenital (present at birth) state, then surgical treatment can be used to bring the nipple back out from the surrounding skin.
Treatment Options for an Inverted Nipple
While there are many non-surgical treatment options for inverted nipple repair such as suction devices like the Niplette and breast pumps, they typically are ineffective in more severe inversions. The best technique for an inverted nipple that will not remain extended is a surgical procedure that separates the milk ducts from the nipple, which allows it to then protrude. Sutures can also be used to support the eversion (extension outward) of the nipple. It’s important to note that this cosmetic surgery may alter or eliminate the ability to breastfeed. If that is something that is important for you to do in the future, you may wish to wait until after having children to consider this option. That said, women with very severe inversions may not be able to breastfeed due to their condition anyway.2
We can discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each solution during your initial consultation, and we will help you determine the best one for your needs and goals.
How Is Breast Surgery to Treat Inverted Nipples Performed?
Inverted nipple surgery, also known as inverted nipple correction surgery, is performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. This cosmetic procedure involves making a small incision at the base of the nipple to release the ducts that have caused the nipple to invert. The nipple is then repositioned and stitched in place. In some cases, a small amount of breast tissue may be removed or a dermal graft may be used to support the nipple in its new position. The recovery time for this surgery is typically one to two weeks, with follow-up at one week and full results visible in several months as the incisions heal.
FAQs About Inverted Nipple Treatment
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Is inverted nipple correction surgery permanent?
The results of inverted nipple correction surgery are generally long-lasting, but in rare cases it is possible for the nipples to revert back to their original inverted position over time.3
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Is inverted nipple surgery painful?
You may experience some discomfort and swelling after the surgery, but this is usually managed with pain medication. We will provide specific instructions on how to manage any pain or discomfort you may experience.
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How long does recovery after inverted nipple surgery take?
Recovery time after inverted nipple correction surgery typically takes one to two weeks, although it may take longer for the incisions to fully heal.
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Are there any risks associated with inverted nipple correction surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with inverted nipple correction surgery. While rare, these risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, and changes in nipple sensitivity.4 Your doctor will discuss these risks with you before the procedure and provide specific instructions on how to minimize them.
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Can I breastfeed after inverted nipple correction surgery?
It depends. While breast and nipple surgery typically do not affect the ability to breastfeed,5 it is likely that surgical correction of inverted nipples will. If you are planning on having children, it’s best to discuss your options with your plastic surgeon during your consultation.
Schedule Your Private Consultation in Las Vegas
If you have questions about inverted nipple treatments or other breast surgeries such as breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction, please contact our plastic surgery practice in Las Vegas to schedule a consultation and find out more about your options.
1 Mangialardi, Maria Lucia MD; Baldelli, Ilaria MD, PhD; Salgarello, Marzia MD, PhD; Raposio, Edoardo MD, PhD, FICS. Surgical Correction of Inverted Nipples, Plast Reconstr Surg – Global Open: July 2020 – Volume 8 – Issue 7 – p e2971 doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000002971. Accessed August 27, 2020.
2 Han S, Hong YG. The inverted nipple: its grading and surgical correction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1999;104(2):389-397. doi:10.1097/00006534-199908000-00010. Accessed August 27, 2020.
3 PRS Open Global. Surgical Correction of Inverted Nipples. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7413770/. Accessed February 1, 2023.
4 StatPearls. Inverted Nipple. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563190/#. Accessed February 1, 2023.
5 Cleveland Clinic. Breastfeeding After Breast or Nipple Surgery. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15585-breastfeeding-after-breast-or-nipple-surgery#. Accessed February 1, 2023.
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This content has either been authored or reviewed and approved by the doctors at Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates.