Inverted-Nipple Repair Information

Qualifications

In general, good candidates for inverted-nipple repair:

  • Aren't pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Are old enough to have fully-developed breasts

  • Have nipples that cannot or only moderately project, so that milk ducts are compromised for breastfeeding

  • Are healthy and do not have medical conditions that impair healing

  • Are nonsmokers

  • Have a positive outlook and realistic expectations

Preparation

In preparing for an inverted-nipple repair, you may be asked to:

  • Get lab testing or a medical evaluation

  • Take certain medications or adjust your current medications

  • Stop smoking

  • Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements because they can increase bleeding and bruising

  • Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you the first night following surgery

Recovery

Recovery is relatively quick, lasting just a few days. Minor swelling and/or bruising can occur, but any discomfort is easily controlled with over-the-counter pain medication. Patients can usually resume normal daily activities 2 days following their procedure.

Although infrequent, the risks and complications of inverted-nipple repair include:

  • Infection

  • Loss of sensation

  • Inability to breastfeed

  • Partial correction

  • Recurrence of inversion

Unlikely Complications