Inverted Nipple Correction
Introduction:
A flat or inverted nipple can be more than a cosmetic concern; it can also impact your ability to breastfeed. Fortunately a simple surgical procedure offers permanent inverted nipple correction, giving women more confidence in regards to their appearance.
Considerations:
Stage 1 – Nipple is inverted most of the time, but can be pulled out and remain in a protruded position for some time. A single purse-string suture can usually solve the problem at this stage, without disruption to any of the milk ducts in the breast.
Stage 2 – The nipple can be pulled out of the inverted position, but will quickly retract back into the breast. Surgery at this stage typically involves dividing fibrous tissue inside the breast to release the nipple which may or may not involve the milk ducts.
Stage 3 – This is the most severe type of nipple inversion, usually caused by a large amount of fibrosis and shortened milk ducts. Surgery to repair this type of inversion may require severing of at least some of the milk ducts, leaving a woman without the ability to breastfeed in some situations.
Am I a good candidate for dimple creation?
Nipple inversion can be something you are born with or something that develops over time with the formation of scar tissue or shortened fibrous tissue in the breast. This condition is broken down into three stages, which are characterized by the amount of inversion present. The stage will also dictate in part the best surgical technique to correct the inversion.
About Your Procedure:
How is a inverted nipple correction procedure performed?
Patients may receive general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the patient’s preference and Dr. Gautam’s recommendation. General anesthesia is usually recommended if other procedures, like breast augmentation or a breast lift, are performed at the same time. The procedure takes less than one hour to complete for most patients.
Preparing For Your Procedure:
In advance of your procedure, your surgeon may ask you to:
– Stop smoking before undergoing surgery to promote better healing.
– Avoid taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs and some herbal medications that can cause increased bleeding.
– Be hydrated – regardless of the type of surgery to be performed, hydration is very important before and after surgery for safe recovery.
Aftercare And Recovery
Patients are able to return to light activities a day or two after the procedure, but more rigorous activity is discouraged for up to three weeks to avoid post-operative bleeding. Any post-operative discomfort can be managed with oral pain medication. Bruising and swelling is normal after this procedure and usually subsides within two weeks.
How Long Will My Results Last?
The Inverted Nipple Correction Surgery normally produces permanent results.
Limitations And Risks:
Loss of breastfeeding ability is just one of the risks associated with this procedure. Loss of sensation in the nipple is also possible. If blood flow to the nipple is lost during and after surgery, necrosis (tissue death) can occur.