Breast Surgery
Nipple Inversion Correction
Correct Nipple Inversion
It is estimated around 10% of women have at least one inverted nipple. There are varying degrees of this condition, as some inverted nipples can be reversible with stimulation, changes in temperature, or suction cups while others cannot. The most common underlying causes of inverted nipples are short ducts and other tethering tissues that pull the nipple inward. Cosmetic surgery helps correct these issues.
Nipple inversion surgery is a simple procedure that can be performed in the office without the need for general anesthesia. Dr. Chang will use a long acting numbing agent to ease any discomfort. A retraction suture is then used to pull the nipple out to its full length. A tiny incision is placed at the inferior side of the nipple. The thick retracted milk ducts are cut one at a time with great care to avoid cutting all the ducts if it is not necessary. The incision is then closed and dressed. Nipple inversion surgery usually takes less than one hour.
The most common reasons for nipple reconstruction are:
- Elongated or stretched nipples
- Overly wide nipples
- Inverted nipples
- Reduce the size of the areola
- Correct the projection of the nipple
- Improve the overall shape and size of the nipple
Although the procedure is relatively simple, you should take it easy for the first few weeks to enable optimal healing. Strenuous exercise should also be avoided during this time to help in the recovery process.
After about 7 – 10 days, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled so Dr. Chang can check on your progress. Final results will occur in the months that follow.
- Pain after nipple inversion surgery is negligible. Most patients are prescribed a narcotic pain medication just in case for only a day or two
- Delay showering until the next day
- Wear a light pad inside the bra to protect the nipple for few days after
- Return to work in 1-3 days
- Drive immediately
As with any surgery, there are associated risks. Only you can decide whether a nipple inversion correction can achieve your goals and whether the recovery and risks are acceptable to you. Because of the nature of the skin of the nipple, the scars are essentially invisible. The milk ducts, are partially spared. Some but not all women can still breastfeed after the procedure. Complications are rare but can include:
- Local bleeding
- Inability to breast feed
- Infection particularly from the absorbable sutures
- Loss of sensation of the nipple
- Widened or thickened scar
- Asymmetry (unevenness between two sides)
- Delayed wound healing with skin or tissue necrosis
- Extra skin at the ends of the incisions
- Under-correction
- Over-correction
Unsatisfactory results may require additional procedures. Patients will generally be responsible for any associated facility fees.
During a nipple inversion correction surgery, the milk ducts will be altered to correct the size and projection of the nipple. For the most part, the ducts will be conserved and some patients may be able to breastfeed afterward, but others may not. It’s important to have realistic expectations and to understand that breastfeeding may no longer be possible after this type of surgery.
The important sensory nerves are generally deeper than the required incisions for the surgery. Therefore, physical sensation is typically spared after a nipple reduction. This, however, is not guaranteed.
Yes. A nipple repair is commonly performed in conjunction with other cosmetic breast surgeries. A nipple reduction or inversion can also be done solely in the office without the need for anesthesia.
Nipple Inversion Correction
Starting at $2500
- Price does not include facility fees
- Procedure will take about 1 hour
- This is an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia
- Most patients will want 1 to 3 days off work
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Nipple Inversion Correction in Northern Virginia
Dr. Phillip Chang is a leading plastic surgeon in Loudoun County who specializes in surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures for the breast, body, face, and skin. He is board certified in plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is the founder of Aesthetica Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center in Leesburg, VA. Dr. Chang is dedicated to providing high-quality service that concentrates on the unique needs and concerns of his patients. He believes combining attentive care and minimally invasive techniques is the best avenue for achieving beautiful, natural-looking results. Dr. Chang is thrilled to be serving the greater northwest area of Washington, D.C. with top cosmetic care that is dependable and trustworthy.
Interested in learning more about Dr. Chang? Click here.
We are based in Leesburg, VA. Located as part of the Lansdowne medical complex, you have access to our 24-7 state-of-the-art facility as well as access to Lansdowne hospital. We are based directly across the road from INOVA hospital. There is ample parking, elevators to bring you to our third floor offices, and welcoming staff to sign you in.
We are proud of our surgeries and cosmetic procedures and love that our patients are happy too. They like to shout it out on Google, Yell, Facebook, and right here on our website. Check out our reviews here.
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All potential patients receive either a phone, virtual, or in-consultation for free.
During the consultation we will discuss your treatment wishes and expectations. This is the time to ask us lots of questions to really understand what is involved, what the costs will be, and what is expected of you. This is also a great time to get to know Dr. Chang.
Aesthetica has received numerous awards from the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, New Beauty, Best of Loudoun, Posh 7 Top Picks, and Dr. Chang is internationally known for his lectures and advances in precise surgical technique as demonstrated through his unique mini-facelift procedure.
We have three execeptionally talents cosmetic nurses:
- Melanie Schwarz, RN, BSN
- Katy Down, RN, BSN
- Angela Westbrook, RN, BSN