Both men and women can be born with nipples that are inverted or develop inverted nipples over time. In fact, up to as many at 10% of men and women experience some degree of inverted nipples. There are generally considered to be three degrees of inverted nipple severity. In the first level are nipples which are “shy” – meaning that they may be naturally in an inverted position but can easily be coaxed out with stimulation. In the second level are nipples in which it is more difficult to arouse the nipple out of the inversion, but not impossible. The third level includes nipples that are permanently inverted. Those with inverted nipples can have just one or both nipples be afflicted.
While having inverted nipples does not necessarily pose any health risks, it can sometimes make breastfeeding more challenging or hinder hygiene care. In most cases, particularly women, who seek out a reversal of inverted nipples, the desire comes from feeling self-conscious in intimate situations. The inverted nipple reversal procedure is fairly simple and does not generally damage the sensitivity of the nipple.
Dr. Placik is a board certified plastic surgeon in Chicago and an active member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He received his medical degree from Northwestern University where he also completed residencies in general and plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Read more >>Inverted nipples are those that are turned inward rather than outward. For many women, this can represent a significant cosmetic difference in their breast appearance, making them feel self-conscious and reluctant to undress in front of others. As with small breasts, sagging breasts, or asymmetrical breasts, women can have their inverted nipples corrected surgically.
Dr. Otto Placik is a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in all types of breast surgery procedures, including the correction of inverted nipples. Concerns over nipple size and placement can also be improved with nipple repair surgery.
Please contact us online or call our Chicago or Arlington Heights plastic surgery offices for more information on correcting inverted nipples, including prices.
Most inverted nipples, like overly prominent nipples, are genetic, so if your mother or either grandmother had inverted nipples, it’s likely you may have them, too. However, inverted nipples can also be caused by a number of conditions that affect the breast behind the nipple:
The degree of inversion of nipples has been classified into three major categories:
Surgical correction of inverted nipples can provide permanent cosmetic improvement of a woman’s breasts, making her feel more comfortable with her appearance. In most cases, nipple inversion correction surgery does not greatly affect sensitivity of the nipple.
Fixing inverted nipples will vary according to the degree of inversion. Grade 1 may not even require formal surgery and may benefit from external expansion devices supplemented with nipple stenting or piercing. In most instances of Grade 2, it is a relatively simple surgical procedure. During surgery, Dr. Placik will extract the nipple and make a small incision around the nipple’s base. Next, he’ll determine the cause of the inversion (whether shortened ducts, scar tissue, or other fibers). Once he has a clear understanding of the cause for inversion, Dr. Placik will either remove or manipulate fibers in a way that allows the nipple to remain pointing outward. Dr. Placik exercises great care in avoiding damage to the milk ducts but this may be unavoidable in some cases especially with Grade 3 nipples or for those requesting definitive correction. The sutures he puts in place dissolve within 2 weeks, leaving no visible scars.
If you have inverted nipples on one or both sides and are in good general physical and mental health, you may be a candidate for nipple inversion correction. Both men and women can have inverted nipples. Although no exact numbers are known, as this condition often goes undiagnosed, current estimates of occurrence run between 2 to 10% of the population. Genetic the condition is.
Grade 3 nipples are severely so. Although inverted nipples do not present a health risk, they can cause cosmetic concerns to those affected. Women with Grade 3 inversions are also susceptible to infections due to difficulties maintaining proper hygiene.
Inverted nipples do not automatically mean that a woman is unable to breastfeed. A baby latches onto the breast around the nipple rather than on the nipple itself, and the resulting suction is typically sufficient to stimulate milk release, including eversion of the nipple in most cases. However, if the milk ducts are constricted behind the nipple, as is often the case if the inversion is due to injury or breast disease, breastfeeding may be impaired. If breastfeeding is an imperative goal, it may be best to defer surgical correction until completion of childbearing.
The cost for inverted nipple correction surgery varies depending on how involved the surgery is and whether additional procedures are being performed at the same time. Dr. Placik and his staff strive to provide excellent value and can help you with cosmetic surgery financing to make your procedure even more affordable.
Additionally, you should recognize that some women are still unable to breastfeed even after having their nipples surgically protracted.
Dr. Placik promises you his best possible care and attention. If you would like to schedule a private consultation to learn more about inverted nipple correction surgery, please contact us online or call us at 847-398-1660.
To meet with double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Otto J. Placik, you can request a consultation online or call our Arlington Heights office at 847-398-1660 or our Chicago office at 312-787-5313 to schedule your appointment. We look forward to meeting with you and helping you look your very best.
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