Inverted Nipple Surgery / Nipple Reduction Surgery
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Pasadena, CA
Nipple surgery, including inverted nipple surgery and nipple reduction surgery, is a collection of procedures that are designed to improve the appearance of the nipples.
While inverted or prominent nipples are usually not medically harmful, they can affect a woman’s confidence and self-image. Addressing these concerns can help individuals feel more comfortable and assured in their appearance.
Dr. Caroline Min is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience helping patients restore their self-confidence with customizable breast and body procedures. She will personalize your treatment for your specific aesthetic goals to create natural-looking, beautiful results.
Contact our office using our online form or call/text (626) 214-5727 to explore your nipple surgery options and begin planning your treatment!
Contents
- 1 About Inverted Nipple Surgery
- 2 About Nipple Reduction Surgery
- 3 Benefits
- 4 Candidates
- 5 Consultation
- 6 How to Prepare
- 7 After Your Treatment
- 8 Results
- 9 Additional Breast Enhancement Procedures
- 10 Cost of Inverted Nipple Repair / Nipple Reduction Surgery in Pasadena and Los Angeles
- 11 FAQ
- 11.1 How is inverted nipple surgery performed?
- 11.2 Will inverted nipple surgery affect my ability to breastfeed?
- 11.3 What is the recovery like after inverted nipple surgery?
- 11.4 What causes inverted nipples?
- 11.5 Is nipple surgery painful?
- 11.6 Will I lose sensation in my nipples after nipple surgery?
- 11.7 Will I need more than one nipple inversion treatment?
- 12 References
About Inverted Nipple Surgery
A nipple is considered to be inverted when it is retracted or pulled inward into the breast instead of pointing outward. This condition affects approximately 10-20% of individuals worldwide. (1) Nipple inversion can occur on one or both breasts and may be congenital (present at birth) or develop later in life. Congenital inversion is often due to short ducts or tissues that pull the nipple downward. Acquired inversion is often linked to scarring, inflammation, or underlying medical conditions.
Inverted nipples can make breastfeeding challenging, and for some, this condition can significantly affect self-esteem. (2)
Inverted nipples generally fall into three grades, depending on the severity of inversion: (3)
- Grade 1: The nipple can be easily pulled out and maintains its projection for a period.
- Grade 2: The nipple can be pulled out, but it retracts spontaneously.
- Grade 3: The nipple is severely inverted and cannot be pulled out manually.
How are Inverted Nipples Treated?
Inverted nipple surgery is done in the office under local anesthesia. The skin is cleansed, and Dr. Min will inject a local anesthetic to numb the area. A small incision is made near the base of the nipple, and the tight ducts and tissue causing the inversion are released. Absorbable sutures are placed internally to hold the newly projecting nipple outward. The incision is closed, and a dressing is placed. A nipple shield is worn for several weeks to protect the nipple while it is healing. The exact treatment process will depend on the severity of the inversion: (3)
About Nipple Reduction Surgery
Like inverted nipples, large nipples can also be a source of embarrassment. Aging, pregnancy, and other factors can cause the nipples to become enlarged, or they may be large due to genetic factors.
Dr. Min’s careful surgical techniques and experience in breast procedures give her a unique understanding of breast/nipple/areola anatomy, and she leverages this experience to help you achieve your ideal nipple appearance.
During a nipple reduction procedure, Dr. Min will remove tissue to reshape the nipples and reduce their size. She uses several different techniques, depending on the size and shape of the nipple. Specialized techniques are utilized to minimize the appearance of scarring and create natural-looking results.
Benefits
There are several benefits of inverted nipple surgery and nipple reduction, some of which include:
- Improved nipple appearance: Nipple surgery will create a more aesthetically pleasing nipple, which will enhance the overall appearance of the breast.
- A boost in self-confidence: After improving the appearance of the nipples, many women find that their self-esteem improves.
- Improved comfort and hygiene: Inverted nipples can sometimes cause discomfort and buildup of debris within the nipple base, which improves after correction.
- Long-lasting results: Dr. Min’s refined techniques create durable results that will remain without the need for additional surgery.
Candidates
Suitable candidates for inverted nipple repair and/or nipple reduction surgery would typically like to address enlarged or inverted nipples to improve their appearance and enhance their confidence.
In some cases, Dr. Min will recommend that you see a specialist for a breast examination before undergoing inverted nipple surgery, especially if you recently noticed changes in your nipples.
All prospective patients should be in good general health and have realistic expectations regarding the results of their treatment.
Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Min will review your medical history and discuss your aesthetic goals. Dr. Min will examine your nipple-areolar complex to develop a personalized treatment plan based on the information she collects. In some cases, the surgery may affect your ability to breastfeed, especially if the ducts are cut during the procedure. If you are planning to breastfeed in the future, it is crucial to discuss this during your consultation. In some cases, Dr. Min may recommend delaying the procedure, although some may be encouraged to receive treatment if their breastfeeding is significantly hindered by inverted nipples.
Schedule your consultation today by submitting our online contact form. If you have any further questions or would prefer to schedule over the phone, please call or text our Pasadena office in Los Angeles directly at (626) 214-5727.
How to Prepare
Dr. Min will provide you with preparation instructions before your procedure. You should avoid taking any medications or supplements that thin the blood, and alcohol consumption should be ceased as well. Those who smoke will be required to cease for several weeks before and after their procedure.
After Your Treatment
Recovery is generally straightforward after nipple surgeries. You may experience some swelling, bruising, and/or mild discomfort, but these symptoms typically subside within a few days. It is important to shield the nipple from pressure while it heals to prevent complications. You should follow your post-operative care instructions carefully for optimal healing.
Results
After nipple surgery, you can enjoy nipples that align with your aesthetic preferences. Many patients report improved confidence and increased satisfaction with their overall breast appearance. Dr. Min takes care to make incisions along the natural curves of your nipple-areolar complex so that scar formation is minimized. Her precise techniques will allow you to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results.
Additional Breast Enhancement Procedures
In addition to nipple surgery, Dr. Min offers several breast enhancement procedures at her practice.
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is a procedure that reduces the size of enlarged breasts. Large breasts can affect the way your clothing fits, and they can cause back, neck, and shoulder pain. Many patients with enlarged breasts also have larger nipples, and it may be beneficial to perform a breast reduction alongside your nipple reduction.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a procedure that increases the volume of the breasts, typically with implants. If you would like to achieve more voluptuous breasts, placing implants in your breasts can help you achieve impactful results.
Cost of Inverted Nipple Repair / Nipple Reduction Surgery in Pasadena and Los Angeles
The cost of your procedure will depend on the issues being addressed and the scale of your procedure. Dr. Min will provide you with a price quote during your consultation.
Contact our Pasadena office today using our online form or calling/texting (626) 214-5727.
FAQ
How is inverted nipple surgery performed?
Inverted nipple surgery is typically performed with the patient awake under local anesthesia in the office setting. Dr. Min will make a small incision at the base of the nipple to release the tight ducts or tissue causing the inversion. She will place internal sutures within the nipple to provide additional support to prevent recurrence. A nipple shield is worn afterwards to protect the nipple during the healing period.
Will inverted nipple surgery affect my ability to breastfeed?
In some cases, the surgery may affect the ability to breastfeed, especially if ducts have to be cut during the procedure. There are techniques that preserve the ducts, but not every patient is a candidate for this approach. It’s essential to discuss this concern during your consultation.
What is the recovery like after inverted nipple surgery?
Recovery is generally quick. Patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, but these symptoms typically subside within a few days. It is important to shield the nipple from pressure during the healing period to prevent recurrent inversion. Post-operative care instructions should be followed for optimal healing.
What causes inverted nipples?
Several factors can cause inverted nipples. Many patients with this concern have congenital nipple inversion, or were born with the condition. In these cases, the inverted nipples are caused by the tissues beneath the nipple creating tension and pulling the nipple inward, causing it to invert. Other patients may develop inverted nipples later in life because of a medical condition, scarring, or inflammation.
Is nipple surgery painful?
Local anesthesia is administered for a comfortable treatment and recovery. You may experience some mild discomfort while you heal, but this is typically minimal and subsides on its own.
Will I lose sensation in my nipples after nipple surgery?
This depends on the complexity of your procedure, but for most patients, nipple sensation is not affected. Dr. Min will discuss your concerns regarding this aspect of the procedure during your personal consultation.
Will I need more than one nipple inversion treatment?
Patients can typically achieve the desired results after a single procedure.
References
- Nagaraja Rao D, Winters R. Inverted Nipple. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563190/
- Mangialardi ML, Baldelli I, Salgarello M, Raposio E. Surgical Correction of Inverted Nipples. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2020;8(7):e2971. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000002971
- Han S, Gi Hong Y. The Inverted Nipple: Its Grading and Surgical Correction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 1999;104(2):389-395. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/00006534-199908000-00010