Inverted Nipple Surgery in Sydney with Dr Kernohan
An Inverted nipple, sometimes referred to as flat or shy nipples and describes nipples that lack protrusion and projection which can in turn cause functional issues. An inverted nipple procedure in Sydney may help alleviate symptoms.
Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Michael Kernohan treats inverted nipples in 5 locations in Southwest Sydney and Southern Ranges NSW.
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Inverted Nipple – What Is it?
Inverted nipples are non-projecting nipples. Instead of pointing outward, such nipples are usually invaginated (turned inside out or folded back on itself).
Inverted nipples can occur in several different ways. For instance, the entire nipple may be pulled inwards, however, only a slit-shaped on the nipple surface is pulled inwards in other cases.
The degree to which the nipple retracts into the breast also varies. Occasionally, the entire nipple is pulled inward so much that it lies below the surface of the areola.
Generally, the shape or form in which an inverted nipple appears depends on the severity of the underlying cause.
Quick Facts about having an Inverted Nipple
- You’re not alone. Nipple inversion is relatively common with 10-20% of women and men have varying degrees of inverted nipples.
- It can be genetic. They often are a genetic phenomenon that occurs in members of the same family.
- An inverted nipple could be telling you that something’s wrong. If your nipples have always pointed forward, but they suddenly retract and become inverted, it might be a symptom of an underlying cause. Therefore, make sure to see a doctor if you experience a newly inverted nipple.
- Inverted nipples can be altered. Various non-surgical techniques have been used to successfully alter inverted nipples. like the Avant Nipplette. While no single technique works for all types of inverted nipples, the issue can most certainly be alleviated by a plastic surgeon.
How Does a Nipple Become Inverted?
Nipples can be inverted in one or both breasts.
The inversion can be present at birth. Sometimes, however, it becomes apparent during puberty. In addition, adults whose nipples were previously erect may experience nipple inversion, probably due to an underlying disease.
Nipple inversion seen at birth or during puberty tends to be a result of impaired development of lactiferous ducts. Lactiferous ducts connect to the breast glands allowing the passage of milk to the surface of the nipple. An anomaly in lactiferous duct formation and development may cause them to be shortened or entirely absent. Shortened lactiferous ducts have a tethering effect which pulls the nipple inward into the breast. On the other hand, lactiferous duct absence leaves the nipple flattened or inverted.
Nipple inversion may also occur if there’s a problem with the growth and proliferation of specific connective tissue in the breast.
Several medical conditions may cause a previously everted “outtie” nipple to become inverted. Most of these conditions produce inflammation and scarring, which cause constriction/contraction of nipple connective fibres.
Common health issues resulting in nipple inversion include:
- Breast cancer
- Breast infections
- Breast surgery
- Trauma to the breast
To adequately repair an inverted nipple, your surgeon will first and foremost try to understand the mechanisms that caused it. Interventions will subsequently address the cause and prevention of nipple inversion.
Different Types of Nipple Inversion Grades
An inverted nipple doesn’t stick out like a normal protruding nipple. Instead, it is usually tucked away below the skin surface.
Some inverted nipples may be pulled out from their depressed position with minimal resistance. Other nipples are, however, so severely retracted that it’s almost impossible to pull them out without surgery.
Therefore, an inverted nipple may be graded based on the resistance and ability to “pull it out”.
- Grade I Nipple Inversion
This is a less severe inversion in which the nipple can be pulled out with ease. After being pulled out, the nipple maintains the outward projection on its own.
- Grade II Nipple Inversion
It’s more difficult to pull out a grade II inversion. Additionally, a grade II inversion usually falls back into inversion shortly after being pulled out.
- Grade III Nipple Inversion
A grade III inversion cannot be pulled out without surgical inversion and is the most severe form of nipple inversion.
The severity of nipple inversion is often linked to the cause. And as noted, nipple inversion may be caused by any or a combination of the following factors:
- Shortened or underdeveloped ducts
- Problems with the connective tissue bulk at the base of the nipple
- Disease, cancer, trauma, or surgery of the breast
Correcting an Inverted Nipple
Many methods have been developed to help correct nipple inversion. Unfortunately, most of these techniques have varying degrees of success, particularly in preventing recurrence of the inversion.
Dr Michael Kernohan’s approach to inverted nipples is tailored to each person based on their unique nipple presentations.
There are numerous ways in which nipple inversion can be altered. This includes non-surgical and surgical techniques. The techniques used will, in part, be determined by the reason and grading of nipple inversion.
Non-Surgical Correction of an Inverted Nipple
There are several non-surgical approaches to help correct nipple inversion:
The Avent Nipplette device may be helpful.
Suction is a common technique that works especially well for grade I inversion. Suction could, for instance, be done using modified suction cups or a modified 10 CC syringe. The base of the syringe is attached against the inverted nipple. The nipple is then gently pulled out of its inversion. Once fully everted, the syringe is held to maintain the eversion for at least 10 minutes. This may be done several times a day for a couple of weeks.
Nipple piercing is another common correction technique. The weight of the piercing jewelry is used to pull the nipple outwards. However, nipple piercing often results in nipple/areola scarring, which may worsen the cosmetic concerns you already have about your inverted nipple.
Non-surgical correction techniques typically work for nipples that are only slightly inverted. Unfortunately, the recurrence rates with these techniques are high. They often do not offer lasting results.
Surgical Treatment Options for an Inverted Nipple
There are numerous surgical techniques that may help correct nipple inversion. Dr Michael Kernohan has various surgical approaches to different types of nipple inversion.
When you undergo nipple inversion surgery with Dr Michael Kernohan, he tries as much as possible to retain as many functional lactiferous ducts (milk ducts) as possible.
Benefits of Nipple Retraction Surgery
Nipple retraction surgery can help give you a forward-pointing nipple.
Inverted nipples predispose the breast to frequent infections unless one practices diligent hygiene. An inverted nipple can often be associated with chronic mastitis and other functional problems such as impaired lactation and nursing difficulties.
Most inverted nipples respond well to treatment. Hence, people with this condition often seek medical intervention from a reputable cosmetic plastic surgeon.
Your Journey to Inverted Nipple Correction
Dr Michael Kernohan’s work is based on years of advanced surgical training. Therefore, your journey to alleviating inverted nipples begins with a consultation with Dr Kernohan. During this consultation, you’ll undergo a thorough clinical examination. You’ll also have a conversation about what you hope to achieve from your inverted nipple procedure.
The consultation is also the time to ask the surgeon about any queries and concerns you might have about your breasts.
Inverted Nipple Surgery
The technique used on inverted nipples varies from one patient to another. Most procedures, rarely lasting more than one hour. And they may be performed under either local or general anaesthesia, depending on the complexity.
Typically, the surgery will follow the following steps:
- Gentle traction using a skin hook will be used to evert the nipple
- The nipple will be freed through a small incision at the base
- Any fibrous bands constricting the nipple (thereby causing nipple inversion) will be identified and freed
- If necessary, the ducts will be selectively dissected to help evert the nipple to improve it’s projection
- Sutures will be used to close the incisions made while providing stability to the nipple
- The orientation, tension, and placement of sutures will be done to avoid constricting the lactiferous ducts and reduce scarring
- A stent, medical cup, and gauze padding may then be used to affix the nipple in an everted, protruded stance.
Recovery from Inverted Nipple Surgery
Depending on the procedure performed, patients experience varying degrees of nipple swelling and discomfort. Analgesic medication should adequately take care of any pain or discomfort that can occur after surgery.
Nevertheless, the recovery time associated with most inverted nipple repair procedures is approximately a week. allowing patients to resume normal daily activities within a week post-surgery.
Your doctor will schedule one or two follow-up evaluations to assess your recovery and whether the nipple eversion has been maintained.
During your follow-up sessions, your satisfaction with the results of the surgery will be assessed. So, be sure to talk to your doctor if, for instance, nipple eversion has been achieved, but you desire more nipple projection.
Risks and Complications of Inverted Nipple Surgery
Any surgical procedures come with certain risks and complications. To avoid severe complications and reduce potential risks, make sure to choose a experienced plastic surgeon to perform your procedure.
Check plastic surgery risks page for more details.
Inverted Nipple Cost Sydney – How Much Is Inverted Nipple Surgery in Sydney?
The price of inverted nipple surgery in Sydney depends on various factors such as:
- Surgeon’s reputation, level of experience and qualifications
- What is included in the surgical quote or price estimate
- Where is the surgery performed
- Whether the surgery is a medically-indicated or cosmetic procedure
- The complexity of each case
Learn more about plastic surgery fees on Dr Kernohan’s pricing page.
Alternatively, you can contact Dr Kernohan’s team for a price estimate or to set up a consultation.
Funding Your Nipple Surgery
Health insurance providers generally do not cover the costs of an elective nipple surgery for cosmetic purposes.
How to find the Right Nipple Surgeon in Sydney
The results of nipple surgery heavily depend on the surgeon you choose. For that reason, you need to look for a reputable plastic surgeon with significant experience in performing breast surgery. Of course, the surgeon you choose should be qualified, certified, and recognised by the RACS and ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Look at their past patient photos and find one that you feel comfortable with.
Inverted Nipple Surgery FAQ
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about nipple correction surgery in Sydney:
