General information
Breast procedures

Inverted nipples

General information
INVERTED NIPPLES

General information

1

Procedure description

Inverted nipples are a developmental defect of the breast consisting of a restriction in the development of the nipples by bands of connective tissue that do not allow the nipple to protrude above the surface of the breast mound.

Stiff bands of connective tissue connect the skin of the nipples to the connective tissue framework of the breast. 

This defect varies in severity: from a slight inversion of the nipple tip to the inversion of the entire nipple below the level of the breast skin.

The defect can occur bilaterally or unilaterally.

In bilateral cases, it is usually asymmetrical.

The nipple contains collecting ducts that carry milk from the mammary glands. These ducts are intertwined with connective tissue bands, which form the anatomical basis of the defect. 

Treatment involves cutting the pathological connective tissue bands, which allows the inverted nipple to be pulled out above the skin surface. Local tissue plasty in the area of the everted nipple aims to prevent recurrence of the deformity.

Cutting the connective tissue bands almost always involves cutting the milk ducts, and a consequence of this is the inability to breastfeed. 

The inability to breastfeed after surgical treatment of inverted nipples is an unavoidable consequence of the operation, not a complication thereof. 

A personal consultation is a condition for qualification

Other less invasive treatment methods are also available, which may be an alternative to surgical intervention.

2

Type of anesthesia

local

3

Procedure duration

60-90 min

4

Recovery period

  • return to mental work, driving the day after the procedure.
  • Return to physical exertion after wound healing.
5

Follow-up examinations

  • after one week (early),
  • after several months (final assessment of the procedure's outcome).
6

Unavoidable consequences of the procedure

  • swelling,
  • bruising,
  • sensory disturbances at the nipple apex,
  • scar
7

Complications may occur

  • hematoma in the wound,
  • wound infection,
  • prolonged healing,
  • insufficient correction,
  • recurrence of the deformity,
  • ischemia and necrosis of the nipple,
  • dissatisfaction with the outcome of the procedure,