Inverted nipple repair is a specialized procedure that can improve the projection of your nipples and restore natural projection. Inverted nipples are nipples that protrude inward into the breast, rather than outward. This condition can be present at birth or develop later in life, and it can lead to difficulties breastfeeding, local irritation, infections, or dissatisfaction with your appearance. (1) With an inverted nipple repair, you can address both your functional and aesthetic concerns, achieving natural-looking yet transformative results with ease.

Dr. Joseph Michaels is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has served Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D. C. for countless years. Dr. Michaels is dedicated to helping each patient restore their sense of self-confidence and self through their appearance. No matter what procedure you are receiving, you can trust that Dr. Michaels is truly invested in your results, safety, and well-being.

To start working with Dr. Michaels, please contact us online or call the office most convenient for you:

About Inverted Nipple Repair

Inverted nipple repair is a procedure that can correct the appearance of inverted, retracted, or poorly-protruding nipples. Inverted nipples are a condition that can either develop at birth or later in life, and they can affect one or both nipples. While it is not life-threatening, inverted nipples can affect how you feel about yourself and create breastfeeding concerns.

Grades of Inversion

Inverted nipples are classified into three grades. They include:

  • Grade I Inverted Nipples: Grade I inverted nipples have minimal to no fibrosis and feel soft to the touch. Grade I inverted nipples can maintain their projection for some time, and patients can still breastfeed fairly easily.
  • Grade II Inverted Nipples: Grade II nipples have a moderate amount of fibrosis and retract back into the breast after being pulled out. Breastfeeding is possible but may be difficult.
  • Grade III Inverted Nipples: Grade III inverted nipples are primarily fibrous, and these nipples cannot be pulled out. This degree of inversion prevents breastfeeding. (2)

Are There Benefits to Inverted Nipple Repair?

Inverted nipple repair brings several benefits, including:

  • Restored Protrusion: Dr. Michaels can perform this procedure to restore the optimal nipple shape.
  • Improved Symmetry: Inverted nipple repair procedures can address unevenness between your nipples to create a more balanced appearance overall.
  • Retained Function: Each of the techniques Dr. Michaels uses preserves the natural function of your breasts, allowing you to breastfeed after undergoing your procedure.
  • Elevated Self-Esteem: Addressing any aesthetic concerns or insecurities can contribute to a greater sense of self-confidence.
  • Customized Solutions: Dr. Michaels designs each treatment plan around your unique anatomy, goals, and concerns.
  • Lasting Results: Inverted nipple repair yields permanent results that you can enjoy for several years to come.

Who Makes a Good Candidate?

You may be an ideal candidate for inverted nipple repair if your nipples retract inward and you wish to correct them. You may also benefit from this procedure if you are experiencing breastfeeding concerns, consistent soreness, irritation, and more. This procedure can address inversion in one or both nipples, regardless of whether your condition is acquired or congenital.

To qualify for inverted nipple repair, you should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding your results. You should also be nonsmoking or willing to quit using nicotine. Dr. Michaels will determine your candidacy during your consultation.

Personal Consultation

Each patient is unique, so you will need to attend a personal consultation before scheduling your procedure. During this consultation, you will meet with Dr. Michaels, and he will explain what inverted nipple repair consists of, how this procedure can benefit you, as well as its limitations. He will also ask you about your medical history, personal concerns, and aesthetic goals, and physical assessment to evaluate the treatment area.

To schedule this consultation, please contact us online. If you would prefer scheduling over the phone, please call your preferred office:

How Should I Prepare for Inverted Nipple Repair?

Once you schedule your procedure, you will need to begin your preparations. To help, Dr. Michaels will give you a set of personalized pre-operative instructions during your consultation. He may direct you to:

  • Discontinue taking any medications or supplements that may thin your blood.
  • Prepare to take time away from your responsibilities and social commitments.
  • Arrange transportation to and from your procedure.
  • Cease any alcohol consumption or nicotine use in the weeks leading up to your appointment.
  • Fill any prescriptions you may need ahead of time.

By following each instruction he provides you with, you can ensure a safe and successful procedure.

Procedure

When you arrive for your procedure, a member of our team will lead you to a private treatment room where Dr. Michaels will meet with you one last time to reconfirm your treatment plan. He will then cleanse your skin before administering anesthesia.

Once you are comfortable, Dr. Michaels will place several incisions around the base of your nipple to release the tissue from the surrounding fibrous bands. From there, he may add additional support beneath your nipple or excise excess tissue to maintain your new appearance. (2)

Recovery

Dr. Michaels performs inverted nipple repair on an outpatient basis, which means that he will release you home on the same day as your procedure. The exact timeline of your recovery will vary depending on the extent of your corrections, but you can expect it to be fairly short overall.

As you recover, you may experience some swelling or tenderness around the treated areas, but these effects will subside on their own with time. A cold compress can help you alleviate discomfort. You will be able to return to most of your daily activities after resting for approximately one to two days. However, you will need to continue avoiding any demanding activities until Dr. Michaels clears you to return.

He will give you a set of post-operative instructions during your consultation to help you care for yourself during your recovery. These instructions will help you care for the treatment area properly as you return to your routine.

Results

You will be able to enjoy the full, refined results of your inverted nipple repair once you have recovered and any residual swelling subsides. Your nipples appear to protrude normally and can contribute to a more projected, proportionate, and symmetrical chest overall. Elevating the appearance of your nipples can additionally improve your sense of body positivity and self-confidence.

In most cases, inverted nipple repair yields permanent results, which means you will not need to worry about future inversion. This procedure additionally protects the natural function of your nipples, allowing you to refine your appearance without any worries. It is important to understand that future pregnancies, weight fluctuations, or hormonal changes can affect the long-term appearance of your results.

What is the Cost of Inverted Nipple Repair in Washington, D.C.?

The cost of your inverted nipple repair will vary depending on the details of your treatment plan. This can include the surgical techniques Dr. Michaels uses, the complexity of your procedure, whether he integrates additional procedures into our treatment plan, and more. Once you and Dr. Michaels discuss each of these details, he will give you a comprehensive cost estimate for your procedure. He additionally offers financing for those who qualify.

To learn more about the pricing of your procedure, please contact us online or call the office most convenient for you:

FAQ

Will I be able to breastfeed after my inverted nipple repair?

Yes, Dr. Michaels uses techniques that preserve the natural function of the breasts. Some patients actually seek inverted nipple repair to improve lactational concerns.

How long will it take me to recover after my inverted nipple repair?

You may return to most of your daily activities after resting for one to two days. However, you will need to wait several more weeks to return to physically demanding or strenuous activities.

What can cause inverted nipples?

Inverted nipples can either be congenital or acquired. Congenital inversion means that the patient was born with inverted nipples, while acquired inverted nipples appear over time.

How long will the results of my inverted nipple repair last?

The results of inverted nipple repair are permanent, allowing you to enjoy your results for years. However, weight fluctuations, future pregnancies, and other factors may affect the effects of your procedure.

Can Dr. Michaels combine my inverted nipple repair with another aesthetic procedure?

Yes, Dr. Michaels can combine your procedure with another for more comprehensive results or to address several concerns in one appointment. During your consultation, he will evaluate your candidacy for our other available procedures and provide you with personalized suggestions based on your goals.

References

  1. Mangialardi ML, Baldelli I, Salgarello M, Raposio E. Surgical Correction of Inverted Nipples. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2020;8(7):e2971. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000002971
  2. Rao DN, Winters R. Inverted Nipple. Nih.gov. Published July 4, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563190/#article-23747.s8