CORRECTION OF INVERTED NIPPLES
Introduction
In the majority of cases, inverted nipples occur as a result of a congenital defect in their development. This condition can also be acquired after certain breast diseases e.g. mastitis, breast cancer or following breast surgery.
There are different grades of inversion
- Grade 1 can be pulled out easily and maintain this projection. This type will also respond to external stimulation.
- Grade 2 can be relatively easily pulled out but have a tendency to retract easily.
- Grade 3 is severely retracted and difficult to pull out manually.
Nature of operation
Surgery to correct inverted nipples can usually be performed under local anaesthetic on a day care basis. Occasionally an overnight stay in a clinic may be recommended.
Generally a series of tiny incisions are made at the base of the nipples and stitches are inserted so that when pulled together they disappear beneath the skin to hold up the nipple. No external stitches are visible. Several different techniques are available depending on the severity of the abnormality and the preferences of the surgeon and patient. No one technique is guaranteed to be a hundred per cent successful.
Postoperative events
Breast-feeding may prove difficult or impossible afterwards due to the fact that the milk ducts in the nipple are often affected by the operation.
Nipple sensation The sensation to the nipple may be partially or even totally impaired. This may be permanent.
Usually most patients experience some loss of sensation, which gradually returns to normal in time.
Recurrence or failure It is still possible for the nipples to invert again after the operation, even after the most expert surgery and further corrections may be required.
Result
The usual result is entirely normal-looking nipples which react normally to temperature changes and being touched.
