Typical Timing/Age
20-50 years old
Problem
Inverted or “shy” nipples.
Procedure
Correction of nipple inversion can be performed in the office under local anesthesia or in an operating room at the time of another procedure. Using 4 small incisions along the base of the nipple the tethering structures are stretched out. The nipple is then temporarily held in place with sutures and a small plastic cup.
Goal
To increase nipple projection.
Facility
Office/Clinic
Preparation
Patients should not be using any nicotine-containing substances.
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia in the office at the time of another procedure in the operating room.
Hospital stay
This is an out-patient procedure. No hospital stay is required. If done in-office under local anesthesia, patients can drive themselves home.
Assistance
You will be able to walk around, feed and bathe yourself. Depending on your pain medication requirements, you may not be able to care for others or drive a car.
Walking
You are encouraged to walk around as much as possible to help reduce the risk of DVT and thromboembolism.
Showering
You may bathe immediately following the procedure, but you will need to keep the plastic cup dressings dry. The dressings will stay in place for approximately 5 days and will be removed in the office.
Exercise
Exercise is ok 1 week after the procedure.
Sex
Wait 1 week because you don’t want to increase your blood pressure during the early healing period. After 1 week, sex is ok ONLY if your partner is able to resist touching your nipples. You are the only person allowed to touch your nipples for 6 weeks following the procedure.
Work
1 day to no time at all off work, depending on your type of work and pain medication requirements.
Swelling
Usually minimal.
Bruising
Usually not present.
Inherent Risks & Complications
Bleeding, Infection, Scarring, Inability to breastfeed, Pain, Recurrence of nipple inversion.
Performed by: Dr. Butler, Dr. Leveque, Dr. Patterson
