Inverted Nipple Correction

Inverted nipples can not only cause a woman to struggle with self-confidence, but if she is a new mom, breastfeeding can be challenging. Inverted nipples can make it difficult for a baby to latch onto the nipple, causing some women to forego breastfeeding altogether. It is possible to correct inverted nipples to help restore the breast to a more appealing look.

Causes of Inverted Nipples

Some people are born with inverted nipples due to the structure of the breast and the surrounding tissues. In others, this condition can develop over time, and can be caused by scar tissue following a biopsy or as the result of inflammation to the area. Other causes for inverted nipples include the widening of a milk duct that can cause the duct to fill with fluid and become clogged, fibrocystic breast disease and sometimes they can be a sign of breast cancer. This is not a comprehensive list, and Dr. Maia can discuss possible causes during an examination.

Inverted Nipple Complications

If your inverted nipples are not caused by an underlying condition, you may not have any other symptoms other than the inversion itself. If you have the following symptoms, please see your doctor for an evaluation:

• Lump near the nipple
• Nipple discharge that is not due to milk production
• Nipple soreness that affects the surrounding breast tissue
• Skin changes, including redness or skin flaking

Again, you may not show any of these symptoms at all, but if you develop an inverted nipple, please see your doctor for a thorough examination.

Inverted Nipple Repair

If you have inverted nipples, corrective procedures are available. If you plan to breastfeed, surgery is not recommended. Breast shells, breast pumps and other items that cause pressure to the nipple can help correct the problem, allowing your baby to properly latch onto the breast. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair inverted nipples. Dr. Maia and the team at Maia Plastic Surgery can perform this outpatient procedure, often completing it in under an hour.

If you have inverted nipples, treatments are available. Call Maia Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation.