While usually benign, the way inverted nipples look can become more bothersome over time. Should you be concerned about the aesthetics of your flat or inward-facing nipples, inverted nipple surgery is a straightforward way to help address the issue. This cosmetic surgery involves releasing the nipple from its surrounding tissue to re-secure it in a more desirable position.

This blog explores the way in which inverted nipple surgery can help to fix your inverted nipples, going into detail about the benefits of the surgery and responding to some of the more common queries patients have.

If you’re interested in getting inverted nipple surgery in London, Dr. Omar Tillo is the CREO Clinic’s experienced double board-certified cosmetic surgeon. His extensive expertise in body contouring means you can feel safe in the hands of a practitioner with the skill to help you achieve your unique body goals. Contact us for more information.

What Causes Inverted Nipples?

There are a variety of factors that can lead to inverted nipples:

Menopause – Ageing and the menopause can cause your milk ducts to shorten, leading to inversion of the nipples.
Scarring – Scarring or shortening of the milk ducts can lead to inversion. This may be a result of breastfeeding, surgery, or injury to the chest.
Congenital inversion – Nipple inversion can be the result of your nipple base or milk ducts not developing correctly in the womb.
Mammary duct ectasia – This is a condition, often affecting women in their 40s and 50s, which causes the milk ducts to become clogged with milk.
Abscess – On occasion, an abscess beneath the area older can cause nipple inversion. This abscess may need to be drained.
Breast drooping – Inversion of the nipples can occur if breast drooping (ptosis) outpaces the nipples’ ability to stretch.
Infection – Mastitis is a bacterial infection that can affect women postpartum. Can also affect women who have pierced or cracked nipples, but can be treated with antibiotics.
Breast Cancer – An inverted nipple can sometimes be an indication of breast cancer.

How Can I Tell if I Have Inverted Nipples?

One way to check if you have inverted nipples is to manually squeeze the base of your nipple. If your nipple retracts into your breast, then it is inverted. If your nipple protrudes, then it is not inverted. There are different degrees of inversion, but these can be identified with more detailed criteria.

The Different Grades of Inverted Nipples

There are three different grades of inverted nipples, each denoting a different degree of inversion. Grade 1 is the mildest level of inversion, whereas grade 3 is the most severe.

Grade 1 – Your nipples do not protrude and are either flat or inward facing. They do protrude when cold or stimulated and will remain so for a period of time, but they will eventually return to their inverted position.
Grade 2 – A slightly more severe inversion, your nipple appears more inverted but will still respond to stimulation and cold. They will return to their inverted position immediately after stimulation ceases.
Grade 3 – The most severe grade. In this case your nipples are very short with permanent inversion that does not respond to cold or stimulation.

Can Inverted Nipples Be Fixed Without Surgery?

There are some techniques and apparatus that can be used to try to fix inverted nipples, such as manual manipulation, suction devices, and even piercings.

The degree to which these nonsurgical treatments can resolve the inversion of your nipples can vary depending on the cause. Inverted nipple surgery is the solution that offers the most long-lasting effect.

When To Choose Inverted Nipple Surgery

If you have begun to feel uncomfortable with the level of inversion in one or both of your nipples, or you have tried nonsurgical treatments without the desired results, then this may be the moment to choose inverted nipple surgery. The procedure can help provide you with transformative change to the appearance of your nipples, offering a potential resolution to your long-standing concerns.

About The Procedure

A relatively short cosmetic procedure, nipple inversion surgery usually lasts between 1-2 hours under local anaesthetic.

Though exact surgical techniques can vary depending on the grade of your nipple inversion, generally, your surgeon makes one small incision under the nipple to help free it from the surrounding connective tissue. Your nipple is then secured in position with dissolvable suture until the incision heals around one week later.

Recovery Timeline

After inverted nipple surgery, you may experience some swelling and bruising around the nipples, but this should subside in a few days time. Most patients find themselves able to return to work within 1-2 days, but the most strenuous physical activity should be put on hold for at least a week until your incisions are healed.

You should take care to wear loose tops and avoid padded bras for two weeks. Your nipples may feel more firm than usual for up to 3 months post procedure.

Schedule A Consultation for Inverted Nipple Surgery At CREO Clinic

To enjoy the benefits of inverted nipple surgery, book a consultation with Dr. Omar Tillo, the CREO Clinic’s expert body contouring surgeon in London. Dr. Tillo has performed countless inverted nipple surgeries over the course of his illustrious career, and he will work diligently to ensure that you see the aesthetic improvements you deserve.