Sinusitis

Inverted nipples. Causes and options for correcting inverted nipples

Inverted nipple

An inverted nipple (inverted nipple syndrome) is a feature of the development of the mammary gland in which the nipple does not rise above the areola, but is at the same level with it or pressed into the chest. An inverted nipple can occur on one or both breasts.

Causes

Nipple retraction can be congenital or acquired. Causes of inverted nipple syndrome include:

Genetic predisposition
Underdevelopment of the milk ducts
Pathologies of development of the genital organs
Wearing a tight bra for a long time
Mechanical damage to the mammary gland
Some breast diseases: breast cancer; Paget's cancer; against the background of previous inflammatory diseases breasts; intraductal changes, which are accompanied by papillary growth, cystadenopapillomas; galactocele; at fat necrosis; due to plasmacytic mastitis

Symptoms

One or both nipples are at the same level with the areola of the breast or pressed into the breast, as can be seen when visual inspection. Signs of nipple retraction are pronounced during pregnancy and create inconvenience when feeding the baby.

Diagnostics

The defect is noticeable upon visual inspection. To determine the cause of an inverted nipple and exclude a malignant process, a set of diagnostic measures is carried out:

Examination of the mammary glands and axillary areas
Cytological examination of scrapings from the surface of the nipple
General radiography of the mammary glands
Ultrasonic or X-ray examination soft tissues of the axillary areas (if necessary)

Types of disease

IN plastic surgery The following types of inverted nipples are distinguished:

Invisible - nipples pull out easily during breastfeeding or sexual stimulation
Tightly inverted (retracted) - nipples never protrude beyond the level of the areola

Patient Actions

If there is inverted nipple syndrome, the patient should contact a gynecologist or mammologist for examination and treatment. It is recommended to correct this defect before delivery.

Treatment

It is possible to carry out treatment without surgical intervention, as well as surgically.
Non-surgical treatment involves pulling out the nipples using a special cup-shaped vacuum attachment on the breast. The patient wears the attachment throughout the day, periodically removing it to preventive examination breasts The course of treatment is several weeks. This method is more effective for hidden nipples, as well as for tightly inverted nipples during preparation for surgery.

The surgical method involves correcting inverted nipples using plastic surgery. The choice of technique depends on whether you plan breast-feeding in the future. If the patient does not plan to breastfeed in the future, the connective tissue that holds the nipple is dissected. This leads to his release.

If breastfeeding is planned in the future, microsurgical correction of the nipple is performed through a small incision at the base of the areola. The integrity of the milk ducts is preserved.

Complications

Hiding nipples can cause psychological and cosmetic problems for women. Tightly inverted nipples, in addition, lead to functional complications: the inability to breastfeed, irritation or inflammation of the nipples.

Prevention

Nonspecific prevention of acquired inverted nipples consists of prevention, timely diagnosis and treatment of conditions and diseases that can lead to changes in the position of the nipple.

The female body is very susceptible to any changes occurring in the body, and the breasts are the most sensitive part. Any woman will notice when her breasts change shape and become different from what they always were; you especially can’t miss the moment of sunken nipples.

Deviations in structure cause a lot of complexes in a woman. She becomes withdrawn and tries to hide her breasts. Of course, this condition also negatively affects intimate life. The sunken person not only causes aesthetic dislike, this condition brings a lot of discomfort and can cause serious pathologies. The pain may go away on its own for a while, but sometimes it is so strong and unbearable that you have to call an ambulance.

What causes pain

Unfortunately, today every third woman seeks help from a specialist for breast health problems. Breast disease has become very common, and this is primarily due to hormonal imbalances, wrong lifestyle. Because the breasts react to any minor changes in the body.

As a rule, it is accompanied by general malaise and discomfort throughout the chest. The first thing a woman might think about is reproductive age, about approaching menstruation (very rarely). Therefore, it is very important to monitor your cycle in order to exclude a symptom associated with this particular condition.

Why do sunken nipples need urgent mammological examination, because this phenomenon occurs from normal intake hormonal drugs, antidepressants, antibiotics, and also during pregnancy? Unfortunately, sometimes clinical picture may be more dangerous, and such changes in the breast are a sign of:

mastopathy;
breast cysts;
oncology.

Reasons for the development of pathology

Juice deformation is a structural feature of the mammary gland. The reason for the deviation may be:

heredity;
underdevelopment of the genital organs and hypofunction;
insufficient development of the milk ducts;
breast diseases;
wrong underwear.

Usually changes occur on both sides simultaneously. If the nipple on one breast has sunken, you need to urgently go to a mammologist - this is one of the first signs. It is important to understand that such negative factors, like drinking alcohol, smoking, drugs, poor environmental conditions, greatly affect health and can affect the condition of the breast.

The female nipple has quite complex structure. On its surface there are up to 25 milk ducts that go to the mammary gland. Connective tissue cords located between the small milk ducts pass into the deeper layers. If the threads of these threads are not long enough, they pull the nipple inward. In some cases, breastfeeding promotes the return normal shape due to beam stretching.

Symptoms

Inverted nipples They do not rise above the areola, they become flat, as if pressed into the chest. The woman herself may not notice such a flaw until she becomes pregnant or the moment of breastfeeding comes. During this period, nipple deformation is very noticeable. It may look like this:

medium retraction;
short and flat;
long and strong retraction.

Externally, sunken nipples look different. The photo may not show serious differences; only the doctor will notice this when examining the patient.

Plastic surgeons distinguish 2 types of sunken nipples:

hiding;
inverted.

The former return to the desired position during breastfeeding or sexual arousal. The latter do not protrude beyond the aureole during any manipulation. Often this condition is accompanied by pain throughout the chest.

If sunken, they cause a lot of problems when feeding the baby. It is uncomfortable for him to grasp the breast, which is why the child cannot eat normally. Numerous attempts to cope with this process lead to the areola being injured, painful cracks and abrasions appearing, into which infection can penetrate, which will lead to the development of mastitis. When feeding suddenly stops, and the mother undergoes surgery.

Such a defect can cause the following complications:

accumulation of foreign particles or fat in the cavity;
maceration of halos;
During pregnancy, milk leaks from the breast.

How to deal with pathology?

Many women, noticing such a pathology in themselves and not realizing the seriousness of the problem, try to “solve the problem” themselves: they pull out the nipples with their hands, different objects, rub them, massage them. When a sunken nipple is diagnosed, this should absolutely not be done. Firstly, there will be no exact effect, and secondly, nipples have a close connection with the entire neuroendocrine system, which provides support to the body during pregnancy. And such irritation stimulates the production of hormones that tone the uterus, which can lead to miscarriage.

It doesn’t matter at what period of her life (during pregnancy or just in preparation for it, while breastfeeding) the woman noticed that her nipple had sunken. Be sure to visit a mammologist at the first symptoms. After the examination, the doctor will advise how to restore the previous appearance of the breasts.

Special overlays are produced that are designed to stretch connective tissue bridges. The Brava device for sunken nipples has proven itself well. However, it doesn't always help conservative treatment, in some cases, surgery is required.

Surgical correction

Nipple correction is performed using minor surgical intervention under local anesthesia. Such procedures may be contraindicated if a woman plans to give birth and breastfeed in the future. Accurate diagnosis placed after the examination. This anomaly is a purely individual problem.

Any intervention in the body carries certain consequences, complications and discomfort. But in a number of cases, this procedure saves a person’s life and normalizes it psychological state and returns to the previous existence. During the operation, all attention is paid to maintaining the integrity of the milk ducts. A small incision is made under a microscope at the base of the areola, and the cords that pull the nipple inward are dissected, after which it is pulled forward.

Rehabilitation after surgery

During this period, hematomas, swelling and pain in the chest area will be observed. Full rehabilitation period is 6 weeks. At this time, you need to give up heavy physical activity and avoid stressful situations, spend more time outdoors and wear comfortable underwear.

After this time, you must continue to adhere to all recommendations and accept them as a way of life. The woman will gradually return to become elongated.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis is carried out by a highly qualified mammologist or gynecologist, who prescribes an examination to understand why the nipple has sunken. To do this you need to submit:

general analysis of urine, feces and blood;
bacterial culture from the nipples;
scraping;
Ultrasound or mammography is prescribed.

Preventive measures

Every woman should monitor her health and pay attention to any changes in the body. It is necessary to periodically examine the mammary glands. You should be wary and take urgent action if the nipple on one breast has sunken. And even in the absence of pain and other unpleasant symptoms You urgently need to visit a specialist’s office.

An inverted nipple is one of the features of the mammary gland that worries many women on the planet. This problem not only causes psychological and aesthetic discomfort, but also significantly complicates breastfeeding during pregnancy and childbirth. In this article we will figure out how dangerous this feature is and whether it can be used to predict dangerous diseases, and are there any methods to combat such pathology.

Inverted nipples - what are they?

So, as mentioned earlier, this is a feature of the development of the mammary gland. IN in this case The nipples do not rise above the areola, but are compared at the same level with it or are completely retracted into the chest. Normal nipple height is from 0.5 to 1 cm.

Classification

There are 2 types of inverted nipples:

Densely inverted – not protruding beyond the areola. In this case, additional problems may arise - inflammation and irritation.
Lurking nipples - when sexually stimulated or when breastfeeding, these nipples stretch out.

Causes of pathology

Inverted nipples can be either congenital or acquired. Most common reasons The appearance of such a disease is as follows:

Hereditary factor - women, among whose close blood relatives there was observed this pathology, should monitor their health more closely, as there is a high risk of nipple retraction.
Injuries - the shape of the nipples can be affected by the slightest bruises or blows, as well as an awkward fall onto the chest. Every woman should protect her mammary glands from such influences, to prevent not only retraction, but also other, more serious diseases.
Pathological changes during puberty - a delay in the development of the mammary gland often leads to defective formation of the nipple area.
Disturbances in the growth of milk ducts.
Wearing tight, small or uncomfortable clothes for prolonged periods of time underwear leads to disruption of the shape of the breasts and nipples.
Diseases mammary gland: oncology, mastitis, growth of papillomas in the mammary gland, eczema, contact dermatitis, inflammatory processes, growth of benign tumors.

Why does nipple retraction occur in various breast diseases?

The process of changes in the female mammary gland in the presence of certain diseases is explained quite simply. To the nipple area using connective tissue all ducts are attached. What is the pattern observed during the development of pathology? As a rule, all diseases of the mammary gland occur with the replacement of connective tissue with fibrous or sclerotic tissue, as a result of which tension increases and the nipple is pulled inward. That is why the first step after discovering a change in the shape of your nipple should be a trip to the doctor. By delaying the examination, a woman seriously risks her health, since many diseases, including cancer, develop rapidly.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Apart from visual, this pathology has no other manifestations. However, it is not uncommon for cases when, due to improper breast care, severe symptoms(various inflammations, etc.).

If this problem occurs, mammologists and gynecologists advise starting to correct the inverted nipple as soon as possible, especially if the woman plans to become a mother in the near future. Otherwise, you may encounter difficulties with lactation, namely the inability to feed the baby or express breast milk, which will inevitably lead to the development of lactostasis.

When visiting a doctor, it is necessary to carry out a set of diagnostic measures:

Visual examination of the mammary glands and axillary areas.
Cytological examination of nipple scrapings.
X-ray of the breast.
Ultrasound of soft tissues of the axillary area.

Only with the results of the above studies in hand will a mammologist be able to offer an adequate solution to the problem of inverted and flat nipples.

Non-surgical treatment

How to fix inverted nipples? One of the conservative methods related to the non-surgical solution to this problem is vacuum traction. The essence of the procedure is the correction of an inverted nipple using a special device. The doctor places special suction cups on the woman’s chest, which are not removed for two weeks (except hygiene procedures). During treatment, careful supervision by a specialist is necessary - only in this case can unpleasant consequences, such as cracking or drying of the skin around the nipple, be avoided.

Gradually, under the influence of the vacuum created by the device, the milk ducts are stretched and the nipple is pulled out beyond the areola. In some cases, the period of wearing the device can be increased or decreased, depending on the result achieved. However, it is worth noting that in the case of tightly inverted nipples this method absolutely useless.

In addition to the described method, the patient may be offered others: wearing special corrective pads (used during breastfeeding) and breast massage.

Unfortunately, all these methods are not effective enough, and when positive dynamics are achieved, after a while, you can again observe the return of the nipples to their original position.

Surgical treatment of inverted nipple

As before any other surgical intervention, mandatory full examination the patient's body. This is done, first of all, in order to exclude oncological diseases, and also to find out everything possible contraindications To general anesthesia(if any) and check for allergic reactions.

Surgery to correct inverted nipples can be performed using two methods, the choice of which is made by the patient herself, depending on her desire to become a mother in the future and breastfeed her child. If there is a need to preserve the integrity of the milk ducts, then the connective tissue is dissected to a minimum extent. Doctors warn that with such plastic surgery of an inverted nipple, the desired result is achieved only in 75% of cases. If pregnancy is not part of the patient’s plans, the surgeon makes fairly deep incisions above the nipple, as a result of which most of the connective tissue is cut. 95% of such interventions lead to successful correction of inverted nipples.

Correction of the pathology in question refers to minor surgical interventions and can be performed not only under general, but also under local anesthesia. If maintaining the integrity of the milk ducts is not important, then during the operation the bundles of connective tissue holding the nipple are cut, resulting in its elongation and stretching outward. If a woman chooses to continue lactation in the future, surgery is a microsurgical correction. In this case, a small incision of the areola is made under a microscope, and the connective tissue cords are also dissected.

Correction of an inverted nipple can be performed as a separate procedure, or simultaneously with a breast lift or reduction. The duration of the operation is no more than one hour. Recovery occurs quite quickly, swelling and cyanosis skin disappear within a few days, and the stitches after healing are almost invisible. During rehabilitation, a temporary decrease in nipple sensitivity is possible. Result achieved usually long-term.

Postoperative rehabilitation

Inverted nipple plastic surgery is performed in day hospital. The first day after the operation the patient should be under observation medical personnel: If necessary, anti-inflammatory and painkillers can be administered during this period. Discharge is usually made on the 2-3rd day after the intervention.

Avoiding excessive physical activity.
Prohibition of visiting a solarium, sauna and prolonged exposure to the sun (for several months).
You cannot mechanically irritate the operated mammary glands.
It is prohibited to apply a heat source to the chest, and taking excessively hot baths and showers is not recommended.
The application of creams and greasy ointments to seams is contraindicated.

If a hematoma or lump forms, it is recommended to treat the affected area with heparin ointment, but these measures should be taken only after consultation with your doctor.

Possible complications

After the rehabilitation period, some undesirable consequences, such as:

Appearance of scars.
Complete or partial loss of sensation in the nipple area - occurs if the nerve endings were damaged during the operation.
Infection and suppuration in the intervention area are possible; to combat this phenomenon, the patient is prescribed a course of antibiotics upon discharge.

Contraindications to surgery

Nipple correction cannot be performed if the patient has not reached the age of majority. Other contraindications to plastic surgery are:

Mastopathy (diffuse or nodular).
Diabetes mellitus.
Blood clotting disorders.
Chronic or infectious diseases.
Tendency to form keloid scars on the skin.
Incomplete period of breastfeeding (at the time of the operation, more than a year must have passed from the date of birth).

A qualified surgeon will perform the operation only after thoroughly diagnosing the patient for all of the diseases listed above, making sure that there are no contraindications to the procedure.

Prevention

The only way to avoid the pathology of inverted nipples is to avoid situations in which it can develop. It is necessary to protect your breasts from injury, do not buy or wear underwear that is too tight, listen to your body and consult a doctor if you suspect breast disease. At the slightest deviation from the norm, a woman is obliged to visit a mammologist and receive proper treatment in a timely manner.

Cost of the operation

Surgery on an inverted nipple is classified as microinvasive, with minimal intervention and the duration of the procedure does not exceed one hour. That's why today large number clinics offer this service not only in the capital or St. Petersburg, but also in other cities of the country. The average cost of correction ranges from 40 to 60 thousand rubles. This difference is determined by the region where the operation is performed, as well as the level of the clinic offering the procedure. Do not forget that before the intervention there must be full diagnostics the patient’s condition, thereby adding to the previously indicated cost the costs of tests, ultrasound, doctor’s consultations, etc.

Value yourself, love yourself, take care of your health! Listen to your body and if you have any doubts, do not be afraid to consult a doctor. Be healthy!

Sunken nipples occur in approximately 10% of women; they are also called inverted nipples. For some, this is the cause of complexes, but for others, it is not only appearance breasts Such nipples usually lead to problems during breastfeeding. Therefore, it is useful to know basic information about this feature.

What does a sunken nipple look like?

The problem is easily recognized by an experienced doctor during a routine examination. He will see that the nipples (and sometimes only one of them) are located at the level of the areola or are retracted into the chest. This is especially pronounced during gestation.

Experts distinguish two types of sunken nipples. So, they can be hidden, that is, those that are easily pulled out during sexual stimulation and during lactation. They can also be inverted - they do not protrude above the level of the areola.

Why might there be sunken nipples?

There can be many reasons for this feature, so it’s worth listing some of them:

heredity;
various mechanical damage, for example, blows, falls;
wearing tight underwear;
developmental pathologies, insufficient formation of the milk ducts.

Obviously, some reasons require additional diagnostics and should not be left without the attention of a doctor. To understand what caused this nipple shape, and most importantly to rule out oncology, the doctor may prescribe a series of examinations, including ultrasound and x-rays.

What to do for sunken nipples?

Currently this feature can be fixed. Moreover, it is best to do this at the stage of pregnancy planning to avoid problems with breastfeeding.

Possible surgically, but you can also do without surgery. The latter option is mainly suitable for women with hidden nipples. In this case, girls are offered exercises aimed at finger stimulation. A specialist should show and tell you how to do this correctly. Stimulation is performed with three fingers through a napkin and is accompanied by gentle rolling of the nipples. This exercise can be done 3 times a day.

The girl may also be asked to wear a special vacuum attachment. It must be worn all day and removed only for routine examination of the glands. You need to wear the attachment for several months.

If it is decided to undergo surgery, then its type will be chosen taking into account whether the girl plans to breastfeed in the future. If feeding is not included in the plans, then during the procedure the doctor cuts the connective tissue that holds the nipple, which allows it to be released. To maintain the ability to undergo breastfeeding, the doctor will conduct more complex operation which will preserve the integrity of the milk ducts.

This defect can seriously spoil a woman’s personal relationships and the joys of motherhood, give rise to a lot of unnecessary complexes and significantly reduce the quality of life.

Inverted nipples (sometimes called sunken, sunken or sunken nipples) are a feature of the development of the mammary glands, which often becomes both aesthetic and functional problem. But about the fact that it is relatively easy to correct with the help of surgery, and sometimes even conservative ways, few people know. Does this condition affect your ability to feed your baby? Can it cause cancer or other breast diseases? Which doctor should I turn to for help: a mammologist or a plastic surgeon? The site conducts a detailed educational program:

What does this defect look like and what are its causes?

WITH medical point In terms of vision, inverted nipples are considered to be those that do not protrude above the areola: they are located at the same level with it or are immersed deep into the tissue. This pathology can affect both mammary glands or only one of them; it is quite clearly visible visually and is easily detected even during self-examination. According to statistics, it is present in almost 20% of women and a small part of men.

Deformation degree	What does a nipple look like?
1 – Initial	It may appear above the level of the areola in the case of blood flow or when pressing with fingers on the breast area. If the effect stops, it goes deep into the tissues gradually.
2 – Medium	It is brought to the surface only with directed pressure on the areola area. Immediately after the pressure stops, it retracts back.
3 – Heavy	It sinks deeply and is not brought to the surface using external influences. Forms a funnel of skin in which secretions can accumulate sebaceous glands, the inflammatory process develops.

To understand what leads to similar condition, you need to briefly understand the anatomy. The nipple is formed from the terminal sections of the milk ducts and smooth muscle fibers. Its natural convex position and elasticity are provided by connective tissue support. Normally it is elastic, but in a special pathological condition - fibrosis - it grows and thickens. This leads to various kinds deformations, incl. retraction and compression of the ducts, which can significantly impair their patency.

The initial causes of fibrotic processes and, as a result, the formation of inverted nipples can be:

genetic disorders in which there is excessively active growth of connective tissue fibers and/or underdevelopment of the milk ducts;
endocrine pathologies with similar consequences;
mechanical impact on the tissue of the mammary glands as a result of injuries, as well as when wearing excessively pressing bras or other clothing.

Can inverted nipples cause breast cancer or mastopathy?

If a woman has this defect from birth or puberty, it is not considered a cancer risk factor and does not increase the likelihood of developing other breast diseases. But the deformation that suddenly appeared in mature age, requires mandatory consultation with a mammologist. Especially if at the same time one or more of the following symptoms are observed:

any discharge from the nipple (white, dark, reddish, etc.);
the appearance of ulcers and flaky skin on its surface;
change in the shape of the mammary gland, the appearance of compactions in its tissues;
increase lymph nodes in the axillary region, above and below the collarbone;
pain in the breast area;
unexplained loss of body weight, etc.

On initial stages development oncological process sunken nipples may be the only manifestation of pathology and sufficient reason for an early visit to the doctor.

You should not panic ahead of time: the above symptoms do not always indicate cancer. Quite often we're talking about about less dangerous benign mastopathy or areola abscess. However, these conditions, especially the latter, also require urgent medical consultation and examination. And only if there are none pathological changes will not be detected in the breast tissue, we can move on to the issue of aesthetic correction.

What should the treatment be?

Since the severity of the defect varies widely, the clinical picture and ways to correct the situation for each option will also be different:

A small, barely noticeable sagging does not in any way affect the ability to feed and, in most cases, such breasts look quite attractive in appearance. Surgical correction definitely not required here good effect Massage techniques (including the Hoffman method) and manual stimulation can help.
In more complex cases, the pathology can make breastfeeding difficult, and also noticeably spoils the appearance of the mammary glands, which for many can cause psychological complexes and difficulties in personal life. In these circumstances, treatment should begin with a consultation with a mammologist. Make do with just one conservative means is still real, in particular good results can be achieved using vacuum pads and other physiological techniques aimed at mechanical stretching of fibrous fibers. But it is just as likely that it will be possible to influence the situation only with the help of plastic surgery: only a doctor can give an accurate conclusion after a personal examination.
The most problematic condition is with severe retraction. This does not look very aesthetically pleasing, feeding is almost always impossible, and fatty secretions and simply foreign particles of dust and dirt will accumulate in the cavity formed by the nipple, which can lead to chronic inflammation, abscesses and other unpleasant complications. In this case, the only reliable way correction - surgical intervention.

What non-surgical methods can be effective?

With unexpressed fibrosis, it is quite possible to “straighten” excessively tight connective tissue cords without the help of a surgeon:

Good results are achieved by a special massage technique - the Hoffman method, in which the problem area is kneaded with your fingers several times a day. Also, almost all doctors consider any other manual stimulation of sunken nipples useful, including during sex. However, you should be prepared for the fact that it may take quite a lot of time to correct the defect. The first positive changes with daily massage appear only after 6-8 months, and to obtain a lasting result it may take from 2 to 5 years.
In addition to mechanical stress, it is necessary to “accustom” the nipple to correct position. For this, special pads, correctors or an inversion syringe are used: when used, they create a vacuum of varying strength, pulling the tissue upward (in general, the principle of operation is similar to a breast pump). Such devices, like massage, must be used on an ongoing basis.
According to a number of researchers, a noticeable positive effect allows for smooth breastfeeding. Of course, this option will only be possible if the fibrous cords do not interfere with the patency of the milk ducts.
Another option that some doctors cautiously recommend is inverted nipple piercing. Essentially, it provides a small but constant vector of force that will pull out the sinking area and keep it out, somewhat similar to massage techniques. This procedure is associated with a large number difficulties: the puncture technique is not simple, healing will take much longer and is fraught with complications, and the very presence of metal jewelry in the chest is not to everyone’s taste. However, the method really works and gives positive results– but it should only be used with permission and under the supervision of a physician.
In case of severe retraction, it makes sense not to waste time on massage and various vacuum devices, but to immediately begin searching plastic surgeon. The operation we need is called, and it is best performed by those doctors who specialize in correction of the mammary glands - breast augmentation, lifting, etc. Surgical treatment can be shown to those who have tried it conservative methods, but did not get the desired lasting effect from them.

How is the operation performed?

This defect can be corrected using plastic surgery using two techniques (the choice is made individually, during a face-to-face consultation):

Microsurgical – in which the connective tissue bundles that hold the nipple in a retracted position are selectively suppressed. This is a low-traumatic option that fully preserves the ability for lactation and breastfeeding, but at the expense of the reliability of the result.
Classic - here in addition fibrous tissue The milk ducts are also cut off, and the nipple itself is cut lengthwise and re-sutured in the process. This method is considered preferable for patients who do not plan to have children: it completely eliminates the possibility reappearance retraction, but the woman will no longer be able to breastfeed.

Regardless of the method, in isolation this operation They are carried out quite rarely, only for the correction of serious, extreme defects. But it is often combined with or - to eliminate slight retraction and other aesthetic problems with the nipple-areolar complex, for which it is not advisable to carry out a separate intervention. The whole process begins with several preliminary steps:

consultation with a selected specialist, determination of indications for surgery and the most appropriate method of performing it;
determining the type of anesthesia - both general and local can be used, depending on the scope of the intervention. If you only need to correct the position of the nipple, then local anesthetics will be more than enough. For more extensive manipulations, incl. combined with mammoplasty or areola correction, without general anesthesia no longer possible. Also, the choice in favor of the latter can be made if the patient has low pain threshold and/or the upcoming plastic surgery causes her unnecessary anxiety and worry;
change mandatory tests and examinations to identify possible contraindications;
preparing the body: following the doctor’s recommendations on diet, intake medicines, quitting smoking and drinking alcohol.

The operation itself is carried out according to the following plan:

anesthesia;
making incisions in the areola area sufficient to free the nipple;
intersection of ducts together with connective tissue cords during classical operation or strands alone during microsurgical;
stop the bleeding, apply internal and external sutures, bandage.

The procedure takes from 40 to 60 minutes. If “pulling” the nipples is only one of the stages of complex correction of the mammary glands, then the total duration of the intervention can increase to several hours.

Recovery period

After the surgeon has completed his part of the work, the patient is transferred to the recovery room or a regular hospital room, where she remains under the supervision of medical staff for several more hours. Then, with satisfactory health and absence early complications you can go home. During rehabilitation after plastic surgery of inverted nipples, the following restrictions must be observed:

stop smoking for 2-3 weeks to improve tissue trophism, accelerate healing, and prevent the development of rough scars;
for about 1-1.5 months, wear special protective pads that protect the intervention area from friction and other external influences;
treat the area of surgical incisions with antiseptic solutions;
take antibiotics, antiviral and painkillers prescribed by the surgeon;
exclude physical activity and any actions in an inclined position;
provide yourself with a calm environment, long leisurely walks on fresh air, a nutritious, varied diet.

impact high temperatures to the chest area (this includes thermal procedures, heat from a stove or fireplace, sauna, bathhouse, etc.);
early start of active sports and visiting the pool;
taking medications or stopping them without first consulting a surgeon;
visiting a solarium and spending a long time in the open sun topless for 4-6 months after surgery to prevent development.

On the days prescribed by the surgeon, the patient will need to come to the clinic for dressings and suture removal. During visits, you can also discuss with your doctor any questions regarding your condition, well-being and the characteristics of the recovery period.

Normally, already on the second or third day after the operation you can lead your normal lifestyle with minor restrictions, and after another 1-2 weeks you can return to a full-fledged life. physical activity and playing sports. The final result of the plastic surgery and the appearance of the corrected nipples will be assessed in about 1 month, when the tissues at the site of the incision have completely fused and postoperative sutures have more or less formed.

Contraindications, possible complications and side effects

Correction of receding nipples is not carried out only in cases where any aesthetic operations in this area are excluded altogether:

the patient's age is under 18 years;
diseases affecting blood clotting;
the presence of neoplasms in the mammary glands (if they are confirmed to be benign, plastic surgery is possible, but only with the approval of a mammologist);
any acute diseases or chronic in the acute stage.

Also, relative contraindication we can consider the patient’s desire to become pregnant in the future and carry out natural breastfeeding: even with the most gentle techniques, there is a small risk of damage to the milk ducts with subsequent disruption of lactation, therefore, in this case, the intervention, if carried out for aesthetic reasons, is advisable to postpone until completion of breastfeeding.

In the first days after surgery, standard consequences of surgical injuries may be observed:

swelling and hematomas;
pain in the area of surgical incisions;
general weakness.

All these side effects go away on their own within 1-2 weeks.

To the number of more serious complications include:

Subcutaneous bleeding - occurs when damaged large vessels that cannot thrombose naturally. Requires repeated intervention to stop the bleeding.
Development inflammatory process– possible in cases where an infection gets into fresh postoperative wounds (less often, if its source is located somewhere in the body, but was not identified during the preliminary examination). It is treated with an individually selected course of antibiotics.
Impaired sensitivity of the nipple and/or areola - from excessive pain to complete numbness. The cause is damage to the nerve endings. However, when performing isolated plastic surgery, this complication occurs extremely rarely: it is more typical for operations during which the patient is injured. glandular tissue(breast augmentation and lift). Restoration of innervation is enough complex process, in all patients it occurs individually, so sensitivity in full can return either after a few weeks or months, or 1-2 years after surgery;
Rough scarring. Normally, after correction of inverted nipples, the patient is left with only small stitches at the border with the areola. Problems may arise if, to relieve other complications (for example, internal bleeding) the edges of the wound will have to be separated several times and sutured again, as well as if there is an initial predisposition to the appearance of or. For more details, see the article "".

In general, the risk of unwanted negative consequences with this operation is extremely low. And strict adherence to all surgeon’s recommendations in recovery period allows you to reduce their probability to almost zero.

How much does it cost to fix inverted nipples? Current prices

This operation is considered simple and one of the most inexpensive in plastic surgery. However, patient costs can vary widely. Firstly, depending on the status of the specialist and the clinic, and secondly, the price list may or may not include various services related to the operation: anesthesia, stay in the hospital room, examination (tests and instrumental methods diagnostics), dressings, etc.