The pressure many women put on themselves to look “perfect” can cause you to be worried or insecure about issues that you may think are abnormal, but in reality, are actually a fairly common occurrence. An example is nipple inversion, a condition where your nipple is pulled inside your breast, rather than pointing outward. While you may think it seems strange, as many as ten percent of women suffer from this problem.

At Manhattan Plastic Surgery NYC, Dr. Franziska Huettner understands that nipple inversion can be a sensitive or embarrassing topic. However, her expertise in breast surgeries and her personalized attention to each individual patient ensures a successful treatment for inverted nipples, restoring both the functionality of your nipples and your confidence in the appearance of your breasts.

Grades of Nipple Inversion

The severity of your nipple inversion is determined using a grading system, so Dr. Huettner at Manhattan Plastic Surgery NYC will decide which grade of inversion you are suffering from according to the following criteria:

Nipple inversion grades are determined as follows:

• Grade One – The nipple can be pulled out by gently squeezing or pinching it, and will stay out for a period of time. The nipple can also be drawn out during breastfeeding or with stimulation.
• Grade Two – You may be able to pull out the nipple, though it is typically more difficult, and it quickly retracts back inward.
• Grade Three – This level of nipple inversion makes it difficult or even impossible to pull the nipple outward.

Depending on the level of your nipple inversion, there are some techniques and treatments that may help. However, surgery is the sole option for permanent correction of nipple inversion at any level.

After your surgery, Dr. Huettner at Manhattan Plastic Surgery NYC has her patients wear a special compression bra at almost times for up to six weeks. This bra provides you with extra support and helps to alleviate swelling. As the swelling gradually subsides, you will be able to see your results within a few weeks. Plan for at least one to two weeks of recovery, which includes lots of rest and keeping all activity to a minimum. You will likely be able to return to work and other normal activities after a week or two, but this will depend on how physically demanding your job is. More strenuous physical activities, including exercise and heavy lifting, should be avoided for at least four to six weeks.

You will see Dr. Huettner for follow-up appointments, and she will provide you with post-operative care instructions, so be sure to follow them to the letter to help ensure the best possible results. Results of breast augmentation are considered long lasting, though it is essential to keep in mind that your breasts will continue to age naturally. Over time you may eventually notice some minor changes which usually are only slight and shouldn’t have much of an effect on your appearance, but these changes are slight and shouldn’t have much of an effect on your appearance.

If you choose surgery to correct your nipple inversion, you can undergo this in the comfort of office based surgery. The surgery is performed under local anesthesia and if you chose you may take some oral medication to relax you.

Depending on the degree of nipple inversion different techniques can be applied.

In less severe cases the procedure can involve making a tiny incision and placing sutures using a “purse string” technique that will contract around the base of the nipple and cause it to protrude. As you heal, the scar tissue will also contract around the base of the nipple, further increasing the protrusion of your nipple. This surgery leaves some of your milk ducts attached, which will increase the chance to both preserve your ability to breastfeed, as well as to maintain sensation in your nipples.

In more severe cases a small incision around the base of your nipple has to be made and the attaching fibers and milk ducts have to be cut in order to allow the nipple to protrude as it should.

The goal of each technique is to restore the nipple to its natural position, which will enhance the appearance of not only your nipple, but your entire breast.