Nipple Correction

Feel confident.  Feel better about your body. Nipple correction is one of the most successful surgeries in terms of patient satisfaction.

What is Nipple Correction?

Nipple correction surgery is a simple and relative pain- and hassle-free cosmetic surgery procedure that’s easy to fit in as part of a regular length holiday abroad.

Most women choose the procedure to correct inverted nipples to make them protrude the right way.  But it can also reduce or enlarge nipples and remove any puffiness of the areola or the area surrounding the nipple.  Here, we cover what to expect from surgery to correct inverted nipples. 

Nipple inversion is usually congenital, but can also be caused by scarring after breast feeding or from infection or earlier breast surgery.  Many women request nipple correction to make sure they can breast feed.  Most have felt at some time self conscious about the way their breasts look.  The way you feel about your breasts can translate into how you feel about intimacy and affect you emotionally. 

Whatever your reason for seeking nipple correction surgery, rest assured you are not alone.  Nipple correction surgery is one of the most successful in terms of satisfaction rates for patients after surgery.

Why you might consider Nipple Correction Surgery

Inverted nipples often appear as a slit or hole where a normal nipple would be located.  They are usually caused by shortened milk ducts pulling the nipple inwards.  Sometimes, they may be only mildly inverted and can be pulled out, even to remain in the right position for a time.  In other cases, the nipple may be virtually impossible to pull out or not present at all. 

You are likely to consider nipple correction surgery if you:

• Have inverted nipples from birth or from puberty*
• Feel that corrective surgery would give you emotional and psychological benefit 
• Wish to breastfeed and are worried that your nipples may impair this**

*If you have developed inverted nipples as an adult, you will need to have a thorough medical examination and consultation with your regular physician.  It is just possible that the nipple inversion may be caused by a tumor. 

**Although inverted nipples may cause concern for women who wish to breastfeed their babies, they don’t normally cause the infant problems if moderately inverted.  The child’s natural suction will allow milk to flow just as it does from a normal nipple. 

Nipple correction surgery can be carried out with other procedures such as breast lift, reduction and enlargement.  Your surgeon will advise you what it possible.

As with all plastic surgery, ideally you will be physically fit and a non-smoker and be emotionally prepared for the surgery.

There are no guarantees about how you will look or feel after your surgery, but nipple correction is among the most successful cosmetic surgery procedures. 

The Consultation

It is important at your consultation with the surgeon that you establish your aims in seeking nipple correction surgery.  Mostly, these will be emotional reasons, but it may be because you feel you can’t breast feed with inverted nipples.  If you are intending to breast feed following surgery, you need to talk about this now with your surgeon.   In some surgery, the nipple may be detached from part of the milk duct system and you won’t be able to breast feed afterwards. 

Be candid with your surgeon and honest about any emotional issues such as self-consciousness, body image, and any embarrassment your breast have caused you.  It is important that you demonstrate you are aware of the full implications of the surgery on your well being. 

What to expect from the surgeon

Be prepared to supply information on and/or discuss:

• Your expectations of the surgery
• Any medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
• Any previous surgery
• Any family history that may be relevant such as hereditary characteristics

During the consultation, your surgeon is likely to:

• Assess your general health
• Evaluate any health conditions
• Examine your entire breasts and draw on them to indicate incision marks required for the nipple correction surgery
• Discuss the likely results of your surgery
• Discuss the value of and any complications that can arise from your nipple correction surgery
• Take photographs for medical records
• Talk about the type of anesthetic used, its effects etc

You may be asked in preparation for surgery to:

• Take or stop certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Have certain lab tests or further medical evaluation such as an X-ray mammogram
• Refrain from smoking in advance of surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Questions you should ask

It is important that you are fully informed of the after care, any possible complications and the likely results of your surgery.  You will also need to know how the procedure is carried out, in particular where incisions are made and where any scarring is likely.  Below is a checklist of some key questions to ask:

• How will the surgery be performed? Where are incisions made and why?
• How do I best prepare for the operation
• Do I need assistance in post-operative care?
• What results can I expect?
• What side effects or complications may occur? 
• Will I still have nipple sensitivity post op?
• What discomfort will I have? 
• How will my nipples and/or entire breasts look immediately post op (bruising, swelling etc) and in the longer term?
• Are there any activities or environments I should avoid while I recover?
• Following the operation, how much exercise can I take and when can I start?  
• What other cosmetic procedures can I consider in conjunction with nipple correction surgery?
• What instructions should I follow after the operation?