Inverted nipple surgery abroad

An inverted nipple or invaginated nipple is a malformation of the nipple, resulting in an invisible nipple or hardly visible. The nipple is then buried within the breast instead of being curved outwardly.

This malformation has a psychological impact, source of complex and functional preventing breastfeeding.

Inverted nipple correction gives immediate and stable result.

The purpose of the inverted nipple surgery abroad is to give the breasts the harmony missed with the nipples buried inside the breast.


Inverted nipple surgery Tunisia


What are the invaginated or inverted nipples?

An invaginated nipple, nipple also called umbilicate, is a malformation of the nipple, resulting in an invisible nipple or hardly visible. The nipple is then buried within the breast instead of being curved outwardly.

This defect affects about 10% of women and 90% in both breasts are concerned.

The invaginated nipples have a triple impact:

  • Aesthetics
  • Psychological source of complex
  • Functional and preventing breastfeeding.

inverted nipple surgery abroad

Inverted nipple surgery abroad

Causes of inverted nipples?

Inverted nipples are caused by retraction of the nipple inward by shortness of breast milk ducts (by which flow secretions during breastfeeding).

The invaginated nipples may be the result of:

  • A congenital malformation,
  • Or the sequel of an infection (galactophoritis)
  • Or, rarely, the sequel of surgery (breast lift or breast reduction).

There are three stages of umbilication:

  • Stage 1: the nipples are inverted at rest, but they become projected with cold or stimulation.
  • Stage 2: the nipples are inverted at rest, but can be projected with manual traction.
  • Stage 3: Inverted nipples are constantly and never go out.

Stage invaginated nipple may be the same on both sides or different from one side to another.

When correcting inverted nipples?

  • Age: It is advisable to wait for growth beyond 18 years.
  • Before or after pregnancy: The presence of inverted nipples in no way hinders pregnancies but sometimes it may not allow breastfeeding. We can decide according to the degree of intussusception:
    • In stage 1 and 2, intussusception is reducible and thus breastfeeding is possible. It is therefore preferable to use the correction of invaginated nipples after pregnancy, if the patient wishes to breastfeed.
    • In stage 3, breast-feeding is not possible, it is best to use the correction of invaginated nipples before pregnancy.

Type of anesthesia and hospitalization

  • Type of anesthesia: Anesthesia is conventionally local.
  • Hospitalization: The intervention takes place in an outpatient setting.

An ultrasound and / or preoperative mammogram are systematic in women over 35 or who have breast cancer risk factors.

Inverted nipple surgery procedure

The treatment of invaginated or inverted nipples is a surgical treatment.

Medical treatment by hyaluronic acid or traction is completely ineffective and illogical!!

  • 1st technique: it includes two steps:
    • Section of the milk ducts (galactophores channels)
    • Tightening, the base of the nipple.

    This technique, indicated in women of childbearing age who wish to breastfeed, allowing re-canalization of the milk ducts.

    This technique has a significant recurrence rate. I do not practice this technique.

  • 2nd Technical: Technical scraps: it includes three steps:
    • Section of the milk ducts (galactophores channels)
    • Interposition between the mammary gland and nipple of 2 small dermo-epidermal scraps taken from the areola
    • and tightening the base of the nipple.

This is a definite technique, guaranteeing a stable income and having no risk of recurrence.

The procedure takes between 30-45 minutes.

Are there scars after inverted nipples correction?

There are scars that are discrete and which completely fade with time.

With the first technique, there is a small scar almost invisible to the base of the nipple. With the technique of the flaps, there is a horizontal scar in the middle of the areola in addition which can be an inconspicuous at first, but after that fades completely.

What are the usual postoperative of inverted nipples correction surgery?

  • The pain is minimal and well relieved by analgesics.
  • The edema (swelling) and bruising (bruises).
  • Transient decrease nipple sensitivity. The sensitivity is recovered after a few months.
  • The work stop time is 1 to about 3 days.
  • Sports activities are not recommended in the first week.
  • It is advisable to wait 2-3 years to get pregnant, the time to let the nipple to recover his nursing skills (first technique).
  • The final result is seen after 3-6 months. The final scar appearance is judged after at least 12 months.

What is the outcome of surgery of inverted nipples?

The result is immediate and definitive with technique shreds. The scars fade and sensitivity reappears.

The objective of this intervention is that breasts are the harmony that could not be felt with the nipples tucked inside the breast.

You should know that correcting invaginated nipples may disrupt future breastfeeding.

What are the risks of invaginated nipples surgery?

Complications of inverted nipple surgery are fortunately very rare:

  • The hematoma and infection are exceptional.
  • Bad evolution of scars.
  • Temporary decrease of the nipples’ sensitivity.
  • The rate of recidivism is important with the first technique, and is exceptional with the technical shreds.
  • Imperfections results: asymmetry, insufficient correction.

In all, one should not overstate the risks, but just be aware that surgery, even seemingly simple, always has a small share of hazards.

The procedure at the glance
  • Procedure : correcting the inverted nipple through local flaps
  • Anesthesia : Local
  • Operating time : 30 to 45 minutes
  • Duration of Hospitalization : Ambulatory
  • Duration of the overall stay : 3 days
  • Convalescence : 2 to 3 days.

inverted nipple surgery abroad