Inverted Nipple Correction Houston
A flat or inverted nipple can be more than a cosmetic concern; it can also impact your ability to breastfeed. Fortunately a simple surgical procedure offers permanent inverted nipple correction, giving women more confidence in regards to their appearance. Dr. Rappaport offers inverted nipple correction surgery, to give the nipples a normal appearance and in some cases, make breastfeeding easier.
Inverted Nipple Correction Houston
What is Nipple Inversion?
Nipple inversion can be something you are born with or something that develops over time with the formation of scar tissue or shortened fibrous tissue in the breast. This condition is broken down into three stages, which are characterized by the amount of inversion present. The stage will also dictate in part the best surgical technique to correct the inversion.
Stages of Nipple Inversion
Stage 1 – Nipple is inverted most of the time, but can be pulled out and remain in a protruded position for some time. A single purse-string suture can usually solve the problem at this stage, without disruption to any of the milk ducts in the breast.
Stage 2 – The nipple can be pulled out of the inverted position, but will quickly retract back into the breast. Surgery at this stage typically involves dividing fibrous tissue inside the breast to release the nipple which may or may not involve the milk ducts.
Stage 3 – This is the most severe type of nipple inversion, usually caused by a large amount of fibrosis and shortened milk ducts. Surgery to repair this type of inversion may require severing of at least some of the milk ducts, leaving a woman without the ability to breastfeed in some situations.
How is Inverted Nipple Correction Performed?
Dr. Rappaport performs inverted nipple correction at his Houston office on an outpatient basis. Patients may receive general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the patient’s preference and Dr. Rappaport’s recommendation. General anesthesia is usually recommended if other procedures, like breast augmentation or a breast lift, are performed at the same time. The procedure takes less than one hour to complete for most patients.
What is the Recovery Like?
Patients are able to return to light activities a day or two after the procedure, but more rigorous activity is discouraged for up to three weeks to avoid post-operative bleeding. Any post-operative discomfort can be managed with oral pain medication. Bruising and swelling is normal after this procedure and usually subsides within two weeks.
Dr. Rappaport Answers Questions about Inverted Nipple Correction
What about non-surgical options in inverted nipple correction?
There are some non-surgical treatments for this condition, such as suction and nipple piercing. However, these methods do not provide long-lasting results for most patients. Nipple piercing can also result in scarring of the nipple and areola, increasing the cosmetic problem. I recommend surgical correction for even stage 1 nipple inversion to ensure a safe and permanent solution to the issue.
Will I be able to breastfeed after my surgery?
Women that are still planning to have children may have serious concerns about their ability to breastfeed after inverted nipple correction. I tell patients that in all but the most severe cases of inversion, breastfeeding after surgery is possible and even probable for some patients. However, the more severe the inversion, the more likely milk ducts will be affected when bringing the nipple to a protruding position.
What are the risks of inverted nipple correction?
Loss of breastfeeding ability is just one of the risks associated with this procedure. Loss of sensation in the nipple is also possible. If blood flow to the nipple is lost during and after surgery, necrosis (tissue death) can occur. This risk is rare, particularly if you select an experienced plastic surgeon for your procedure.
Dr. Rappaport regularly performs inverted nipple correction surgery for patients looking to enhance the appearance of their breasts. The procedure is relatively short and straightforward, and results are permanent for most patients. To learn more about your options in inverted nipple correction, contact Houston Center for Plastic Surgery at 713-790-4500.
6560 Fannin Street, #1812
Houston, Texas 77030
Phone: (713) 790-4500
Fax: (713) 793-1299
Email: info@hcps.cc