Inverted Nipple Correction Gold Coast & Toowoomba
inverted nipple correction surgery details Inverted nipples are caused by tightness along the milk ducts (lactiferous ducts) from the nipple to the breast gland pulling the nipple inward. Inverted nipples are more common than you might think and there are various grades. Not all inverted nipples require surgery. For some the nipple can be drawn out through stimulation and temperature change, although the effects are only temporary, and for others even these normal measures will fail to evert the nipple.
Surgery can be used to correct the issue and in general there are procedures that divide the lactiferous ducts and therefore breast feeding is no longer possible. Other procedures involve preservation of the ducts in the hope that breast feeding may still be possible although this can not be guaranteed.
Inverted Nipple Surgical Procedure
Inverted nipples can be corrected using one of two methods, both of which involve releasing the fibrous tissue between the milk ducts. One method cuts the milk ducts as well and one that does not. The entire procedure usually won’t take longer than an hour to complete and can be performed using only a local anaesthetic, however as this procedure is frequently supported by Medicare and health fund assistance, some will choose the assistance of an anaesthetist.
A/Prof Magnusson will help you decide which method to use based on the severity of the the inversion and any future desire for breastfeeding. In both instances, the procedure starts with A/Prof Magnusson making a precise incision at the base of the nipple. For the method that severs the milk ducts, small surgical instruments are utilised to release the tight ducts and surrounding tissues. A fold of tissue is brought under the nipple like a hammock to help keep it in the new protruded position. In cases that are less severe, where the milk ducts are not severed, the tissue around the milk ducts at the base of the nipple are teased apart to reduce the tension on the nipple. The nipples are lifted and sutured into a new protruded position. This technique has potential to preserve the ability to breastfeed, but does not have the same power as the technique that divides the milk ducts. There are some patients for whom this technique doesn’t fully evert the nipple.
Patients can go home directly after their procedure but it’s recommended that someone drive them home.
Inverted Nipple Correction:
Undertaking cosmetic surgery (also known as aesthetic plastic surgery) is an intensely personal and private decision that can have very positive effects. Success comes from helping individual patients clarify their goals and then creating a bespoke plan to achieve them. With a combination of communication, experience and knowledge, A/Prof Mark Magnusson has helped many patients across Brisbane, Toowoomba and Gold Coast. Let A/Prof Magnusson help you with your aesthetic journey.
Ideal Candidates for Inverted Nipple Correction
During your consultation with A/Prof Magnusson, he will perform a complete evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for surgical correction of inverted nipples. For many women, a simple, comfortable procedure under local or general anaesthesia is an very effective solution for correcting inverted nipples.
Management of inverted nipples is an individualised process. A/Prof Magnusson will discuss the options and contrast the procedures, likelihood of success, levels of interference and the effect on breast function.
If you have one or more of these concerns, you may be a suitable candidate for this procedure.
- Skin irritation resulting from sunken nipples
- Nipple(s) that sink into the areolar area of your breast
- One nipple looks significantly different from the other
- Nipples remain flat even after stimulation/cold
- Nipple contour and asymmetry make clothing selection difficult
Inverted Nipple Correction Results
The results are of this procedure are visible immediately, however there are necessary dressings to protect the nipple in the new inverted position for the week following surgery. As this surgery is aimed at correcting the underlying causes, the results are usually permanent with a high satisfaction rate especially when the ducts are divided, although the partial recurrence of the problem may be observed when the ducts are preserved to maintain breastfeeding options. When A/Prof Magnusson has completed the procedure, the result will be a more outward-projecting nipple.
Some of the benefits include:
- A naturally shaped nipple
- The corrected nipple(s) may be better suited for sexual stimulation and breastfeeding
Book an appointment for Inverted Nipple Correction Brisbane, Toowoomba or the Gold Coast
You can request a consultation with A/Prof Magnusson by contacting his reception at either his Toowoomba or Gold Coast clinics. He has assisted patients with this procedure in Brisbane and surrounding areas.
Inverted Nipple Surgery FAQs
How much does inverted nipple correction surgery cost?
Nipple correction generally starts at around $2,670 for one side, however costs can differ based on other factors such as anaesthetic (if you choose to be asleep) and theatre costs from $660. It is also possible to apply for a Medicare or private health insurance rebate for this procedure. A/Prof Magnusson will take you through the requirements and process during your consultation. To achieve these rebates, you will require a referral from your GP or another doctor.
What will recovery be like for this procedure?
Fortunately, patients don’t need to spend any time in hospital following this surgery. After the procedure, most sutures dissolve, however we see you at 1 week to remove the dressings. For patients having duct preservation, there will be a single suture helping to support the nipple during the first week that will be removed with the original dressing from theatre at that time. There will be some mild swelling and pain after surgery, but this is generally easily managed with simple pain killers. Swelling and bruising will resolve after a week or two. Patients are able to return to work within a day or two, but should refrain from engaging in strenuous exercise until the original surgical dressings are removed at one week. Wound strength is almost normal at 4 weeks at which time normal activities including sport can often be introduced.
Are there any risks involved with inverted nipple correction?
There are always risks of surgery however with smaller procedures the risks are usually also less frequent and less significant. The general risks include infection and bleeding. With this procedure one risk is recurrence of inversion. This is very infrequent after duct division but more common if the ducts are preserved as they are still subject to traction by the milk ducts. If the ducts are divided, breast feeding isn’t possible after surgery. There is also a chance that the procedure could affect your ability to breastfeed even if ducts are preserved. On some occasions, this procedure is performed to enhance the ability to breastfeed when an inverted nipple has prevented successful feeding with a previous pregnancy. It is uncertain how successful this process will be for individual patients. A/Prof Magnusson will take you through all of the possible complications and risks during your consultation so that you know what to expect.
Will the procedure leave scars?
Scarring of the nipple and areola is usually of an excellent quality. There is always scarring after any surgical procedure, but the incisions required for inverted nipple correction are small and usually barely visible once they have settled after surgery.
Can inverted nipple correction be combined with other procedures?
Many women choose to combine inverted nipple correction with other procedures, such as breast augmentation. It wouldn’t be combined with mastopexy or breast reduction as it may increase the risks of healing problems. Naturally, doing so will increase the cost, time in surgery and the length of the recovery period. You can speak to A/Prof Magnusson about any additional concerns you have about the appearance of your breasts during your consultation. From there, a surgical plan can be tailored to your needs.
Can an inverted nipple indicate cancer?
Most women with inverted nipples have had this problem since the development of breasts during adolescence, or perhaps associated with changes during pregnancy and feeding. Changes that have developed in the mature breast or are associated with other symptoms, such as nipple discharge or bleeding, can be of concern and indicate that something else is happening. There are certain types of cancer that can cause the nipple to retract, so if the inversion occurred recently for no apparent reason, this needs to be excluded. Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in women (approaching one in eight Australian women), and regular breast examination is integral to the early detection and successful management of this problem.