NIPPLE CORRECTION AND RECONSTRUCTION
Nipple correction surgery is a solution for a range of nipple related conditions such as inverted nipples, depressed nipples, protruding or oversized nipples and enlarged areola. Usually as part of a mastectomy the nipple is removed. A nipple reconstruction is a Plastic Surgery procedure that reconstructs a new nipple made from the patients’ own body tissue. This is achieved in one of two ways. The tissue can be taken from an existing nipple and stitch it to the reconstructed breast, or some tissue is taken from the centre of the reconstructed breast or elsewhere, and is made into a nipple shape which can then be coloured to match the existing nipple using a tattoo technique.
Either method may be used depending on the patients desired results and other factors, which will be determined during a complete consultation prior to the operation.
What are the different types of inverted nipples that can be corrected with surgery?
Commonly, there are 3 grades of inverted nipple severity namely grade 1,2 and 3. Grade 1: Inverted nipples evert manually, Grade 2: Inverted nipples are difficult to evert and Grade 3: Inverted nipples never evert.
What doe's the nipple correction surgery involve?
The surgery consists of a small incision at the base followed by a gentle spreading of fibres until the nipple is free (outward, normal position). Special sutures are placed for stability.
Who can benefit from nipple correction surgery?
Nipple correction surgery is a solution for a range of nipple related conditions such as inverted nipples, depressed nipples, protruding or oversized nipples and enlarged areola. Any candidate who endures any of these would benefit for nipple correction surgery.
Is it possible to breast feed with nipple corrective surgery?
In most cases milk ducts will be stretched or divided so unfortunately it is highly unlikely to be able to breastfeed after surgery.
