Approximately 10-20% of women are born with inverted nipples, or nipples that are flat or sunken in appearance. For many women with inverted nipples, this is a source of self-consciousness that can effect body image, sexuality, and feelings of femininity.
Classification of Inverted Nipples
Inverted nipples are classified into three different groups, according to their severity.
- Grade I: Mildly inverted nipples that can be made to protrude with physical manipulation, cold temperature, or sensual stimulation.
- Grade II: Moderately inverted nipples that can be made to protrude, but not easily. Women in this category often report difficulty breastfeeding.
- Grade III: Severely inverted nipples that cannot be made to protrude with physical manipulation. Women in this category are not able to breastfeed.
Correction of Inverted Nipples
The correction of inverted nipples is a short outpatient procedure that can be done with local anesthesia alone. Women experience minimal discomfort, typically take no pain medicine, and are generally able to return to work the following day. Strenuous exercise and tight fitting tops should be avoided for 2 weeks.
Surgical Limitations
Correction of inverted nipples is a very safe procedure with an excellent success rate in my hands. The plastic surgery literature reports that the most frequent complication of surgery is relapse of a corrected nipple, which is more likely if you have a more severely inverted nipple to begin with. Nipple necrosis is a rarely reported complication. It is also important to understand that breastfeeding is unlikely to be possible after correction of inverted nipples.
Next Steps
If you are interested in having your inverted nipples corrected in my New York City private practice, please feel free to call my office at (212) 452-2400 to schedule a consultation appointment. You may also email info@LaraDevganMD.com if you have further questions that you would like to have answered.
