Nipple & Areola Repair
Interested in a surgical procedure for your nipples? Use our discreet online form to contact Dr. Andrew Wolfe and Dr. Steven Vath, board-certified Colorado plastic surgeons. When you register online, your cosmetic surgery consultation is free.
A woman's nipples are important to her body image, sexuality, and ability to breast feed. Nipple inversion affects approximately 2% of all women and can involve one or both breasts. The problem may be transient and responsive to stimulation or permanent. In either case, this disfiguring condition can be successfully managed with a surgical procedure that directly addresses the cause of the problem. The result is normally everted, projecting nipples.
What is the nipple and areola?
The nipple is the projecting portion of the breast that carries the lactiferous (milk) ducts. The areola is the dark pigmented circle of skin from which the nipple projects.
Am I a candidate for inverted nipple repair?
Whether your nipples are transiently inverted or permanently retracted, you will benefit from the inverted nipple repair procedure.
What causes inverted nipples?
The lactiferous (milk) ducts leading to the nipple are unusually short and tight, pulling the nipple inward.
How is an inverted nipple repair performed?
A small incision is made at the base of the nipple within the colored areala so the scar is hidden. Then the shortened ducts are either released or selectively divided depending upon the severity of the inversion to allow for nipple eversion. Small stitches are placed under the nipple to hold the nipple out in a projected position. Finally, a small splint much like a medicine cup is placed from which a suture applies traction on the nipple and holds it out while healing occurs.
Can an inverted nipple repair be performed at the same time as other procedures?
Yes. Repair of inverted nipples can be done along with breast augmentation, breast lifts, breast reduction, tummy tucks, liposuction, or facial procedures.
What are the main risks of the procedure?
In rare, more severe cases, the ability to breast feed may be affected. Care is taken to minimize ductal disruption so that nursing ability is not hindered.
What kind of anesthesia is necessary for an inverted nipple repair?
Local anesthetic achieves complete pain control so that you may comfortably undergo this procedure in the office operating room setting. You may opt for IV sedation or general anesthesia at the Denver West Surgery Center in Golden, Colorado, should you desire.
What is the recovery?
If the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, you can be back to work and most activities within several hours. There is a mild amount of discomfort which is easily manageable. You may shower after 24 hours and the splint is removed after 2 to 4 days.
The Center for Cosmetic Surgery has two offices conveniently located in the Denver metropolitan area. One is located just outside of Denver in lovely Golden, Colorado immediately off of I-70 and the other is located downtown in Cherry Creek, Denver. Please schedule a free personal consultation to learn what nipple and areola repair can do for you. Simply call 1.877.255.2600 or request your free consultation online.
