WHAT IS AN INVERTED NIPPLE?
An inverted nipple is a nipple that does not stick out, in most instances. It is buried or inwards hidden underneath the areolar complex. Inverted nipples can often become erect during the cold or during sexual arousal. Most inverted nipples will have normal sensation and women with inverted nipples usually can breast feed. The pathophysiology is related to shortened breast tissue ducts, which pull the resting nipple inwards towards the glandular tissue.
HOW ARE INVERTED NIPPLES REPAIRED?
Inverted nipple correction surgery can be done under local anesthesia. It usually takes anywhere between thirty to sixty minutes to complete. Dr. Sinno will make a small five mm incision at the base of the nipple and cut all the ducts that are tethering the nipple inwards. This removes all of the inward pulling forces, allowing the nipple to stick back up to its normal position. The results are instantaneous.
WHAT IS THE POST-OPERATIVE ADVICE AND CARE AFTER AN INVERTED NIPPLE CORRECTION SURGERY?
– Day Surgery
Most patients after corrective inverted nipple surgery will be released (depending on your medical condition and health state) home to continue their recovery.
– Bandages
Dr. Sinno and his team will apply a special dressing and initial bandages that should be kept dry and clean for the first week. At that point, the bandages will be removed and your post-operative state will be evaluated.
Wearing bras should be avoided until the first bandages are removed.
– Showers & Washing
The bandages usually are removed within a week after surgery. Dr. Sinno recommends that all bandages should remain dry and clean after your surgery until your first follow-up appointment. Showers should be avoided until authorized by Dr. Sinno. This is usually after all bandages are removed at the first post-operative visit. Until then, sponge baths are recommended.
White non-scented shampoo and soap are recommended to be used along with running water on the incisions after the bandages are removed and when given medical authorization to do so.
– Activity & Exercise
You will be advised to refrain from moving your arms above your shoulders immediately following your breast procedure. This is usually advised for a two-week duration.
Dr. Sinno recommends that patients refrain from all activities that may increase their heart rate or blood pressure including exercise, sexual activity, stressful situations, etc. in the first week after surgery.
However, it is recommended that patients walk and perform their usual activities within the limitation of the medical advice given and their tolerance to their comfort. No lifting more than 10 lbs. (4 kg) is recommended for at least two weeks after the surgery.
Sleeping on your stomach should be avoided for at least two weeks after surgery.
– Driving
Patients are recommended not to drive when taking narcotic pain medications and when having bulky dressings that may hinder their normal reflexes and reactivity.
– General Healing
You may experience some swelling and bruising that will peak two to three days after your surgery, and usually subsides within two to six weeks. Post-operative swelling, pain, bruising and duration may differ, depending on the patient and the extent of the augmentation.
You will be expected to be able to see visible aesthetic improvements in your breasts immediately following your breast surgery. These results should continue to progress over the following weeks, as the incision site heals and the swelling decreases. Swelling can take six weeks to subside. Dr. Sinno advises his patients that final results should be expected at the one year point post-operative period, when all scars and incisions should be mature.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS AFTER CORRECTION OF INVERTED NIPPLE SURGERY?
All medical and surgical procedures have inherent risks and potential complications associated with them. It is imperative that you understand the potential risks, complications and consequences that can arise after the medical or surgical procedure you undertake. This understanding will better allow you to be able to provide informed consent based on the comparison to the potential benefit of the desired procedure.
Although the materialization of inherent risks is rare and developing complications is unlikely, these are real events that can occur. Dr. Sinno will help you to understand the risk/benefit profile of your desired procedure.
HOW MUCH DOES AN INVERTED NIPPLE SURGERY COST?
The cost of an inverted nipple correction procedure starts at $3,300 plus applicable taxes.
