Dear Dr. Man, I’m 24 years old and newly married, living in Boca Raton. We are planning to start a family within the next year or so and I want to breastfeed when I have a baby. Problem is that I have had flat nipples my whole life. I believe the doctor called my condition inverted nipples. Is there something I can do to correct this? I’ve always been rather self-conscious, but now I want to breastfeed so it is even more important to fix this. Is this a major surgery? Please tell me more.
Your condition is not uncommon. An inverted nipple can look flat or have a slit like depression or hole at the normal nipple location. There are different degrees of inverted nipples. Inverted nipples can cause functional problems for women, as well as emotional concerns. Many women undergo nipple inversion repair to improve the efficiency of breastfeeding.
Inverted nipples can be repaired with a minor surgical procedure that improves nipple projection and nipple appearance. The objective is to reshape the nipple and areola so that the nipple projects out from the breast, enhancing the appearance of the breast while preserving sensitivity of the nipple. The technique that leaves the milk ducts intact can also help preserve a woman's ability to breastfeed.
The doctor makes a small incision in the nipple area and then corrects the inversion using stitching or local rearrangement of your tissue. Once the inverted nipple has been corrected, the incision is stitched closed and gauze dressings are placed over your breast. When correction of nipple inversion surgery is performed by a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor.
A special surgical bra is placed over your breasts after the surgery to ensure that your breasts are held in the best position for healing. You should sleep on your back for the first week after surgery to help with the healing process. You should wear the special surgical bra placed over your breasts after surgery at all times for the first few days. A softer sports bra should be worn at all times for the first two weeks after surgery. The bra should be worn even while sleeping to help hold your breasts in the correct position. You may take the bra off to shower or bathe, but must put it back on immediately after drying off.
Most patients return to work or school, as well as driving, within a couple of days after surgery. Most patients can resume heavier exercise about three to four weeks after surgery. Scars on your breasts should be protected from the sun for at least a year after surgery.
If you are in general good health and have a clear understanding of the limitations and potential results of your nipple inversion repair, you should be a good candidate for the procedure. Talk to a board certified plastic surgeon to see if this surgery is right for you.
Dr. Daniel Man is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated his life’s work to helping people look younger and improve their appearance through cosmetic surgery. He is a noted author, artist, inventor and educator. Dr. Man has been featured on major television networks, as well as national and local magazines and newspapers for his work as both a plastic surgeon and an artist. Dr. Man has a private practice in Boca Raton, FL.
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