Inverted Nipple Correction Surgery In Sydney & Canberra

In some women, the lactiferous breast ducts (milk ducts) are tethered to underlying breast tissues, resulting in varying degrees of nipple inversion. Instead of pointing outwards, the nipple is retracted or recessed into the breast, producing indented or flat nipples. This occurs in 1–10% of the population, though in some cases, the nipple can be coaxed out to protrude with stimulation or arousal. It is also possible for some nipples to only be inverted some of the time, depending on temperature changes, and for a person to have only one nipple that is inverted.

Many women are concerned about flat nipples and wish to have them addressed. Depending on the extent of the inversion, surgery is possible to release or transect the ducts, allowing the nipples to spring back into a naturally protruding position. This involves the surgeon making incisions in the nipple, meticulously releasing the ducts where possible and dividing them where indicated.

Surgical risks:

1. There are some general risks associated with ANY operation, which include:
(i) Infection in surgical wound(s) with resultant redness, pain and possible discharge. In severe cases, wound(s) could break open and need to be re-sutured. Often small areas of breakdown are treated conservatively with dressings and they heal without any significant sequelae.
(ii) Possible bleeding in surgical wound(s) with swelling or bruising.
(iii) Secretions may accumulate in the lungs and cause a chest infection.
(iv) Deep vein thrombosis.
(v) Death is possible during or after an operation following severe complications
(vi) Smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of complications. Therefore, you should completely stop smoking at least 4-6 weeks prior to surgery, and refrain from smoking for at least 4-6 weeks.

2. The following facts, risks and complications apply specifically to THIS operation:
a) Antibiotics are given during and after the operation, to minimise the risk of infection. If infection were to occur, it would be treated with the usual techniques.
b) Bruising and swelling is normal, but the severity can vary with each patient. The risk of increased bruising or bleeding can be reduced by abstaining from medications such as aspirin, Anti-Inflammatory drugs, or other blood thinning agents, for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery.
c) The incisions will result in scar formation within the nipple areolar complex.
d) You may experience some postoperative soreness following this surgery, which should diminish in a few days.
e) Numbness of the nipples is common following surgery and is generally temporary. You may experience a change in the sensitivity of the nipples and the skin of the breast. Permanent loss of nipple sensation may occasionally occur after inverted nipple correction surgery in one or both nipples.
f) The sutures used to close the incisions on your nipples are completely dissolvable, but they may be felt through the skin for up to 3 – 4 months after surgery.
g) Breastfeeding: Your ability to breastfeed will be affected following inverted nipple correction surgery. Depending on the extent of duct tethering and required surgical release, you may not be able to breastfeed, where the duct has been transected.
h) Relapse: The body continues to change over time and there is a possibility that the nipples will become inverted again in the future.

Dr Farhadieh will listen clarify all your doubts during an initial consultation at either our Sydney or Canberra clinics. For a professional experience throughout your whole inverted nipple correction process, put your trust the team at Panthea Clinics.

If you’re unsure about whether inverted nipple surgery is right for you, contact one of the esteemed medical professionals at Panthea Clinics today. We’ll guide you through every step of the process and help you decide the best course of action for your inverted nipple correction. Book a consultation at our Sydney or Canberra clinics by contacting us online, or call 1300 030 371 to enquire about any of our other breast surgeries including augmentation or reduction.