The surgery for inverted nipples is carried out in the course of a few hours, and often leaves a beautiful, natural result, with minimal scarring.
Generally about the treatment
Inverted nipples is a condition that some women and men suffer from. Inverted nipples are by many considered a deformity, and they often cause low self-esteem for those, who suffer from the condition. Besides being a cosmetic problem, the condition can also cause problems for women's ability to breastfeed.
There are different degrees of the condition. Some people are able to extrovert their nipples by simply manipulating/stimulating the area. The nipples will, however, quickly return to their original inverted shape. For others it can be completely impossible for their nipples to turn outwards naturally.
Most cases of inverted nipples are genetically determined, but the condition may also occur in relation to breast feeding, weight gain, or due to other hormonal changes in the body. If the condition has developed over time, it's highly recommended to have the nipples examined by a doctor, as a sudden development of inverted nipples could possibly be a sign of something more serious, such as breast cancer.
It is also important to ask the doctor regarding the possibilities of breast feeding, if this is the reason for wanting to have the treatment, since some cases of inverted nipples don't cause problems with breast feeding.
Suitability
Fit and healthy men and women over the age of 18, who haven't previously had this treatment.
The procedure
For the milder degree of inverted nipples (as described above) the surgeon will most often make an incision around the base of the nipple, after which this is lifted outwards along with the areola (the dark area surrounding the nipple). The surgeon then stitches around the now extroverted nipple, which will keep it held in place. This method will partially preserve the milk ducts.
For inverted nipples that have a lot of difficulty protruding, or that are completely incapable of protruding, the procedure will usually involve removal of the milk ducts, as these are too short and thereby make it difficult for the nipple to protrude. This method won't preserve the milk ducts, and female patients will not be able to breast feed after the surgery. Women with this severe form of inverted nipples may already be incapable of breastfeeding though, due to the condition of the nipples.
Anaesthesia
The operation is usually carried out ambulant under local anaesthesia.
Risk of complications
In most cases the remaining scars will become very faint and hard to see, but for some they will remain noticeable.
With mild degrees of inverted nipples, the milk ducts should remain partly intact after the surgery, but there is a risk of losing the ability to breastfeed.
There's a risk of losing the sensation in the nipples. This is very rare though.
There is a risk of side effects from the anaesthetic used, along with bleeding, poor wound healing, a poor cosmetic result, and blood accumulation.
No form of surgery is risk free, although severe complications are very rare.
Healing and recovery
It will be possible to go home on the day of the surgery, but seeing as the anaesthesia will cause drowsiness you will not be able to drive home yourself.
Any occurring pains can be suppressed with painkillers and will subside in the course of the next few days. The area will usually swell up after a few days, after which the swelling will start to fade. The stitches will be removed after 4 days or so, and it will be possible to return to work after a day or two. Strenuous activities should, however, be avoided.
Duration of the result
The result is permanent.